GHADC Makes ST Certificate Mandatory for Candidates, Conrad Sangma Calls Move ‘Historic’

By - Admin 23 Mar, 2026 Comments (0) 2 Mins Read

SHILLONG, MAR 23: The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), led by the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), has amended its election rules to mandate that all candidates possess a valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate, effectively limiting electoral participation to tribal contestants for the first time since the council’s inception in 1952.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma termed the development “truly historic” while addressing the council session on Monday, stating that the decision corrects a long-standing anomaly in the functioning of autonomous district councils.

“Today in the district council session, the House passed a historic resolution… where it is made mandatory for any candidates who are contesting to have a Scheduled Tribe certificate,” Sangma said.

He underscored that the amendment aligns with the constitutional intent of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which provides for the establishment of district councils to safeguard tribal identity, land, and governance.

“This is a very important decision. District councils are traditionally meant for the tribals of the region. It has been a long-pending demand of the people, but for the past 74 years none of the governments or the district councils were able to implement this,” he added.

The amendment formally inserts the ST certificate requirement into GHADC’s electoral framework, closing a loophole that had previously enabled non-tribal residents to contest council elections despite the institution’s tribal-centric mandate.

Appealing for restraint and cooperation, Sangma expressed confidence that non-tribal communities would respect the decision. “I am sure all our non-tribal friends will understand that this council is always meant for the tribals… We will work together in peace and harmony to ensure progress for Garo Hills and the state,” he said.

The move comes in the backdrop of recent unrest in parts of Garo Hills over the issue of non-tribal participation in council elections. In response to the situation, the state government had earlier extended the tenure of the GHADC by six months. Elections to the council were initially scheduled to be held on April 10.