The Meghalaya government has initiated steps to introduce a separate electoral roll exclusively for Scheduled Tribe (ST) voters in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), in a move aimed at strengthening the protection of indigenous communities.Officials said the proposal is intended to ensure that only tribal voters take part in elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, thereby keeping decision-making within the framework of traditional tribal governance. The plan has been a long-standing demand of indigenous groups in the Garo Hills region.
The government believes that such a system will help preserve the demographic balance and political control of tribal communities. It is also expected to protect long-standing customs and land rights in areas governed under special constitutional provisions.Authorities have pointed out that the proposal is aligned with Article 244(2) of the Constitution of India and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which grant autonomy to tribal areas and aim to safeguard their traditional institutions and governance systems.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has reiterated that the government is committed to protecting indigenous rights. He said governance in such areas must remain accountable to the people for whom these systems were created. At the same time, he stressed that democratic processes would continue to be respected.Officials added that the proposed ST-only electoral roll could play a key role in preventing any dilution of tribal authority in the region. It is also expected to support the continuation of traditional systems such as the Nokma institution, which is central to land ownership and community leadership in Garo Hills.