Biplab Kr Dey
Adokgre (NGH), Oct 23: In a shocking disclosure, residents of three villages in the remote sections of North Garo Hills (NGH) district are yet to receive any formal recognition, citizenship, welfare schemes or even a school.
The villages have been identified as Chiginde, Doeni and Balsrik and fall close to Mallangkona in West Khasi Hills and the state of Assam. While Balsrik has a population of over 1700, Chiginde has 72 households and 420 residents while the smallest Deoni has 39 households and 159 residents.
The matter came to light following a visit by members of the Garo Omniscience for Ethnic Renaissance and Awakening (GOERA) who were shocked by the findings.
Following their interaction with the villagers, GOERA has now written to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) who asked for the Council to clarify the legal status of the three villages and the residents within.
“These people do not have the basics including citizenship, legal status, a recognized school (government or private) or even welfare benefits. They are literally in a state of ambiguity and have no one to rely on for help,” said president of GOERA, Thomas Marak.
GOERA highlighted the ‘state of administrative ambiguity’ surrounding the villages of Chiginde, Doeni, and Balsrik.
GOERA members asserted that the villagers had applied for an approval of their village in 2014 and have been paying house taxes to the GHADC. The village has also been given a village code for their tax payment in 2022 despite which they have been denied certificates and documents in various offices.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Member of the GHADC, the group has demanded an official clarification on whether these established habitations are formally recognized by the autonomous council.
“The lack of formal recognition is creating ‘severe impediments’ for a significant population residing in these areas. The key challenges cited include democratic disenfranchisement which is affecting their right to vote or seek representation,” he said in the letter.
The lack of any form of documentation has led to the inability for residents to obtain crucial legal documents such as Birth Certificates, Income Certificates, Caste Certificates, and Residence Certificates, which are essential for accessing jobs, education and government schemes.
These residents, they added, are also being excluded from development schemes including central government welfare, infrastructure, and rural development schemes. There are also complications in the documentation and adjudication of land records and property rights.
“We, the undersigned, wish to bring to your kind notice the prevailing state of administrative ambiguity… whose residents are entitled to the benefits and services conferred by the State and the Constitution of India,” the letter states, underscoring the fundamental rights at stake.
GOERA through their letter has sought clarity on whether the above villages have been duly approved and notified as revenue villages or recognized habitations while also asking for certified copies of the official notification, resolution or executive order that granted such recognition, if it exists.
“We also want an elucidation on specific constitutional and administrative jurisdiction of the GHADC over the land and governance of these villages. The matter is extremely urgent and an expedient response is expected to ensure the effective functioning of the administration and to uphold the constitutional rights of the citizens,” felt GOERA members.
GHADC authorities are yet to respond to the letter by the CSO.
