From Our Correspondent
TURA, Feb 28: The A.chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) has welcomed the decision of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) to make it mandatory for all candidates contesting council elections to produce a valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate.
The resolution, adopted by the Executive Committee on February 9 and notified on February 17, requires candidates in any general or by-election to submit an ST certificate issued by the state government while filing nomination papers.
The certificate will serve as primary proof of tribal status during scrutiny. Returning Officers have been directed to treat the failure to produce the document as a “defect of substantial character”, rendering the nomination liable for rejection.
The order takes effect immediately and applies to all future elections under the GHADC.
Following the decision, the AHAM commended the Executive Committee, stating the decision strengthens tribal self-governance and safeguards the indigenous identity and customary laws of the Garo Hills under the Sixth Schedule.
The organisation also urged the District Council Affairs department to ensure the immediate publication of the notification in the Meghalaya Gazette to grant it full legal force. The organisation added that this reform is essential for maintaining democratic integrity and protecting tribal identity.
