The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council in Meghalaya has amended its rules to require Scheduled Tribe certificates for contesting council elections, following recent unrest and violence over non-tribal candidates.
The decision, taken during a special session, aims to ensure tribal representation and will now be sent for state and gubernatorial approval under the Sixth Schedule.
The move comes weeks after violence in the Garo Hills triggered by ambiguity in the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous District Council Rules, 1951, regarding eligibility of non-tribal candidates.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma welcomed the decision, calling it a “historic” and long-awaited reform that strengthens the intent of the Sixth Schedule.
Officials said the proposal will be forwarded to the state government and then to the Governor for assent.
