Shillong, Mar 11: A resident of Tura, Dr Patrick SR Marak has written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to consider whether reforms to the electoral framework of Autonomous District Councils can be introduced to ensure stronger representation of Scheduled Tribes in councils created specifically for their protection.
Dr. Marak, who is also the spouse of former MP Agatha K Sangma, urged the centre to see whether the Sixth Schedule may be reviewed to clarify the eligibility criteria for candidates contesting elections to such councils so that the original intent of safeguarding tribal autonomy is preserved.
He also requested the union government to see whether a national consultation with Autonomous District Councils across the Northeast and other tribal regions can be initiated to discuss strengthening indigenous governance institutions.
“Historically, this region has been recognized as a protected tribal area where traditional institutions such as the Nokma system and customary governance structures play an important role in preserving the identity and rights of the indigenous population,” he stated.
But according to him in recent years, there has been increasing concern among many members of the indigenous community that the current electoral framework of the GHADC does not sufficiently safeguard the principle of tribal self-governance that the Sixth Schedule was meant to uphold.
“Since the council is specifically designed to protect Scheduled Tribe interests, many citizens feel that its composition should reflect the indigenous character of the region,” Dr Marak stated.
