Tura, March 9: A social activist from Garo Hills has submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Meghalaya, C. H. Vijayashankar urging his intervention to uphold the requirement of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for candidates contesting elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).

The memorandum, submitted by Greneth M. Sangma, Social Activist-cum-President of the Constitutional Rights Forum, expressed concern over objections raised against the GHADC notification dated February 17, which mandates that candidates must possess valid ST certificates.

In the representation addressed to the Governor, Sangma stated that the requirement aligns with the spirit and intent of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which was enacted to safeguard the rights, governance structures and cultural identity of tribal communities in autonomous regions.

“The Sixth Schedule was specifically designed to ensure self-governance for tribal populations and to protect the administration of tribal areas in the hands of indigenous communities,” Sangma stated in the memorandum, adding that allowing non-tribal candidates to contest council seats would undermine the very purpose of the constitutional provisions.

He further pointed out that under the Sixth Schedule, District Councils have legislative powers over matters such as inheritance of property, marriage, and social customs.

“For these laws to genuinely reflect Garo customary practices, the legislators must belong to the community they represent,” he noted.

Highlighting the importance of safeguarding tribal identity, Sangma also stressed that the GHADC plays a crucial role in protecting the cultural traditions, land tenure systems and customary institutions of the Garo people.

“The GHADC is the custodian of Garo customs. Non-tribal representatives may not be able to effectively legislate or adjudicate on matters relating to Garo cultural practices and traditional institutions,” he stated.

Through the memorandum, Sangma requested the Governor to dismiss the objections raised against the notification and to ensure that the provisions of the Sixth Schedule continue to protect the political and constitutional rights of the indigenous tribal communities of the region.

He also appealed to the authorities to ensure that the Sixth Schedule areas remain safeguarded from political encroachment and that the constitutional intent behind the autonomous district councils is upheld.

Also Read: Former Phulbari MLA assaulted outside DC Office in Tura while filing GHADC nomination

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