Shillong, Jun 22: Tura MDC Bernard N Marak has raised concerns over the removal of the term “autonomous” from the receipts and logo of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and urged the executive committee to take immediate action and restore the council’s official designation.
Marak alleged that this alteration reflects a troubling trend established by previous committees that opted for alternative names like “Garo Hills District Council” (GHDC) and “Garo District Council” (GDC), instead of honouring the constitutionally recognised title.
According to Marak, the use of such diluted nomenclature not only undermines the authority of the council but may also jeopardize its constitutional status.
In a statement he said that removing the term “autonomous” weakens the council’s foundation, which is crucial for maintaining its independence from external influences. This action, he warns, could increase the council’s reliance on the state government and the ruling political party, a situation that could compromise its ability to operate effectively.
Marak emphasised the importance of preserving the council’s constitutional identity as a means of safeguarding the autonomy conferred upon it under the constitution. He has called upon the executive committee to rectify the alteration by reinstating the official name of the council in full to ensure that the council retains the respect and authority necessary to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
