The imposition of Aadhaar is not just unconstitutional, but also endangers the livelihood and rights of tribal citizens, particularly the economically vulnerable. Many families have been denied access to rations and welfare benefits due to absence of Aadhaar, despite legal protections
SHILLONG, May 27: Leaders of the Awaken India Movement (AIM), Meghalaya chapter, representing the Khasi community, submitted a formal petition to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Monday, urging it to pass a resolution against the compulsory Aadhaar enrolment in Sixth Schedule areas.
The delegation met KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Shemborlang Rynjah and Chairman Strong Pillar Kharjana, alongside other Autonomous District Council (ADC) representatives, at the KHADC office. The meeting was attended by community leaders, council officials, and members of civil society.
The AIM representatives raised serious objections to the Meghalaya government’s push for Aadhaar linking in tribal areas, arguing that it goes against a Supreme Court judgment which stated that Aadhaar cannot be made mandatory for residents of Sixth Schedule regions. They called the move a violation of both constitutional rights and the apex court’s ruling.
“The government’s imposition of Aadhaar is not just unconstitutional, but also endangers the livelihood and rights of tribal citizens, particularly the economically vulnerable,” said Banshai Marbaniang, chairman of AIM’s Meghalaya unit. He alleged that many families have been denied access to rations and welfare benefits due to the absence of Aadhaar, despite legal protections.
The petition called on the KHADC and other ADCs in Meghalaya to formally oppose Aadhaar’s mandatory requirement for accessing government welfare schemes. The AIM also demanded that the state government immediately halt all measures that make Aadhaar compulsory in these constitutionally protected areas.
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution grants special autonomy to tribal regions in the Northeast, including Meghalaya, allowing them to safeguard their customs and governance structures. The Supreme Court, in its landmark ruling on Aadhaar, had specifically stated that Aadhaar should not be a precondition for residents in these regions to receive government services.
In response, KHADC officials assured the delegation that the matter would be taken up urgently. The council will seek legal advice and consider the concerns raised, with an aim to uphold the rights and autonomy of the Khasi and other indigenous communities.