Tura, Feb 27: The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) has made it compulsory for all candidates contesting its elections to produce a valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate issued by the Government of Meghalaya.
The decision, notified on February 17, 2026, by the Office of the GHADC’s General Administration Department, states that submission of a valid ST certificate will now be a mandatory requirement at the time of filing nomination papers.
The Executive Committee of the GHADC, in its meeting held on February 9, resolved that only individuals with demonstrable Scheduled Tribe status recognised in Meghalaya should be eligible to contest elections to the Council.
The resolution was taken in the context of safeguarding customary laws, traditions, and the socio-political identity of the indigenous tribal communities of the Garo Hills.
Under the new notification, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers across West, East, South, South West and North Garo Hills have been directed to verify the production of the ST certificate during scrutiny of nomination papers. Failure to produce the certificate will be treated as a defect of substantial character, making the nomination liable for rejection under applicable election rules.
The notification has come into force with immediate effect and will apply to all elections conducted by or under the authority of the GHADC from the date of its publication.
The GHADC, constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, exercises powers over tribal affairs and customary laws in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya.
The latest move is being seen as a tightening of eligibility norms amid heightened political activity in the region.
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