Meghalaya govt to introduce ST-exclusive electoral roll for GHADC

In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the rights and identity of indigenous communities, the Meghalaya government has announced plans to introduce a Scheduled Tribe (ST)-exclusive electoral roll for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
Officials stated that the preparation of a dedicated ST-only roll will secure the demographic and political future of tribal communities by ensuring that governance in Sixth Schedule areas remains accountable to indigenous representatives. The measure is expected to strengthen land transfer regulations and protect customary rights, land claims, and traditional practices.
“The preparation of a dedicated ST-exclusive electoral roll will secure the demographic and political future of these tribes and safeguard tribal lands, by strengthening the land transfer regulations, ensuring only the tribal representatives to govern and take part in the governance process, in the Sixth Schedule areas,” an official said.
Chief minister Conrad K. Sangma reaffirmed that the government’s core objective is to ensure governance, policymaking, and administration are determined by the people they are meant to serve.
He emphasized that the initiative restores the spirit of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which provides for autonomous councils to protect tribal autonomy, culture, and governance.
The move follows Governor C.H. Vijayashankar’s assent on March 24 to a new GHADC legislation mandating that candidates must possess Scheduled Tribe certificates to contest elections. This amendment effectively bars non-tribals from participating in GHADC polls, ending a practice that had continued for over seven decades. Under the Sixth Schedule, Meghalaya has three autonomous district councils—for Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Garo Hills—empowered to legislate on matters such as forests, land, tax collection, and local governance. The introduction of an ST-exclusive electoral roll is seen as a step to reinforce these constitutional safeguards and ensure that tribal lands remain under indigenous stewardship.
With this decision, the state government has signalled its intent to strengthen tribal institutions and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the cultural and political rights of Meghalaya’s indigenous communities.