Shillong, Oct 1: The Garo Students’ Union (GSU) has thanked the Executive Committee of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) for introducing the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils) (Garo Hills Autonomous District Second Amendment) Rules, 2026.
In a statement, GSU said despite political differences and challenges, the EC showed courage, unity and commitment to the greater interest of the Garo people.
It termed the initiative to provide a separate electoral roll for GHADC as a defining moment in the history of Garo Hills.
The union also thanked the Government of Meghalaya for heeding the long-standing public demand and for forwarding the bill through the District Council Affairs Department for Governor’s assent.
Governor C H Vijayashankar accorded assent to the Rules on September 29, 2026, and the same has been published in the Official Gazette.
GSU said as per constitutional framework, the Governor acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers and the assent reflects the firm resolve of the Conrad Sangma-led government.
It also lauded Deputy Chief Minister and District Council Affairs Minister Prestone Tynsong for upholding the spirit of the Sixth Schedule.
By ensuring non-tribals are excluded from the electoral process of the ADC, he has reinforced exclusive rights of indigenous tribal communities, GSU said.
The organisation said promulgation of the Rules is a landmark step in safeguarding tribal identity, autonomy and the right of indigenous people to determine their own political destiny under the Sixth Schedule, and acknowledged the sustained advocacy of the people of Garo Hills in keeping the aspiration alive.
