Meghalaya accords recognition to 17 tribes as per 1950 ST list
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 28: The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council’s recent decision to make Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates mandatory for candidates contesting MDC elections has reignited debate across Meghalaya on whether this single criterion is sufficient to protect indigenous interests.
Is the mandatory ST certificate rule reason enough to cheer? Supporters argue that it does as it directly addresses over 70 years of unease over non-tribal participation under the Rule 128 of the 1951 District Council rules. Jubilation in Tura and calls for similar steps in KHADC and JHADC reflect this sentiment.
However, experts argue that the new rule will create confusion since the 1950 ST list recognises 17 tribes including Garo, Khasi and Jaintia (with sub-groups like Synteng/Pnar, War, Bhoi, Lyngngam), various Kuki tribes, Hmar, Chakma, Dimasa (Kachari), Hajong, Koch, and others such as Naga tribes or Mizo (Lushai) tribes.
Questions are being raised on whether an ST certificate automatically qualifies someone for ADC elections in Garo Hills, even if they historically belong to Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, or Nagaland?
The issue echoes earlier discussions.
In 2024, North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum moved a resolution in the Assembly calling for a review of the 1950 ST list and its implications for local bodies. He highlighted the inclusion of tribes from Mizoram and Manipur, urging safeguards to prevent their automatic participation in ADC elections.
Responding at the time, former Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh acknowledged the matter’s importance and assured a detailed examination. The government had proposed forming a committee to consult stakeholders—including legislators and ADCs—and submit a report within three months to the Registrar General of India.
With the GHADC amendment bringing the issue back into focus, stakeholders warn that allowing all ST certificate holders to contest without additional local safeguards could complicate matters in a state with diverse tribal identities. Many emphasise the need for a balanced approach that protects core indigenous communities while respecting constitutional provisions.
In a related development, Opposition MDCs in KHADC have urged the VPP-led Executive Committee to convene a meeting of all 30 MDCs to discuss proposed amendments to the Autonomous District Councils (Constitution of District Councils) Rules, 1951—particularly Rule 128. Opposition Leader Titosstarwell Chyne said on Saturday that such a meeting is essential to build consensus before proceeding with amendments. He reiterated the Opposition’s support for updating the rules and called for a special session of the Council for detailed deliberations.
Chyne also mentioned that the Chief Executive Member (CEM) has scheduled a fresh appointment for March 31. The Opposition, he added, prefers constructive dialogue over media exchanges and aims to address multiple issues, including the resignation of KHADC Standing Counsel T.T. Diengdoh and the suspension of KHADC Secretary D.G. Syiemiong.
He further raised concerns over developments in Garo Hills, such as the postponement of GHADC elections and questions regarding non-tribal participation. While supporting amendments, Chyne stressed the need for careful consideration tailored to the KHADC context. On procedural grounds, he pointed out that the 2018 Amendment Bill must first be recalled before introducing fresh legislation, noting that the earlier bill was comprehensive and had already been vetted by the District Council Affairs Department and an expert committee.
Chyne underscored the importance of uniformity, as a common set of ADC Rules currently applies to KHADC, JHADC and GHADC. Any changes, he said, should be made only after due deliberation and broad consensus.
