From Our Correspondent
ADOKGRE, Oct 23: Over 2,200 residents of three villages in North Garo Hills do not have access to welfare schemes of the government and basic educational facilities despite years of habitation.
They are also yet to be enrolled under Aadhaar.
The matter came to light during a visit by the members of the Garo Omniscience for Ethnic Renaissance and Awakening (GOERA). They were shocked by the findings.
The villages have been identified as Chiginde, Doeni and Balsrik. They are close to Mallangkona in West Khasi Hills and Assam. Balsrik has a population of over 1,700, Chiginde has 72 households and 420 residents, while Doeni has 39 households and 159 residents.
Following their interaction with the villagers, GOERA has written to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), asking it to clarify the legal status of the three villages and their residents.
“These people do not have the basics – citizenship (read Aadhaar cards), legal status, a recognised 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 GOERA president Thomas Marak.
The GOERA members said the residents had in 2014 applied seeking the recognition of their villages. They started paying house tax to the GHADC after the villages were given a code for payment of the same in 2022. Despite this, they have been denied certificates and documents by various offices.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Member of the GHADC, GOERA demanded an official clarification on whether these villages are formally recognised 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,” GOERA wrote in the letter.
Due to the lack of documentation, the residents have not been able to obtain legal documents such as birth certificates, income certificates, caste certificates, and residence certificates, which are essential for jobs, education and availing of the benefits of government schemes.
According to GOERA, these residents have been deprived of the benefits of infrastructure and rural development schemes. They are facing complications in the documentation and adjudication of land records and property rights.
“We 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 read, underscoring that fundamental rights are at stake.
GOERA sought clarity on whether the three villages have been notified as revenue villages or recognised habitations. It asked for certified copies of the official notification, resolution or executive order that granted such recognition, if it exists.
“We also want an elucidation on the 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 uphold the constitutional rights of the citizens,” the letter read.
GHADC authorities have not yet responded to the GOERA letter.
