Shillong: The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) has made it mandatory for candidates contesting its elections to produce a valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate issued by the Meghalaya government.
In a notification issued by the Executive Committee of the GHADC following its meeting on February 9, 2026, the council stated that only individuals recognised as members of Scheduled Tribes in Meghalaya will be eligible to contest in general or bye-elections to the district council.
The GHADC, which was constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to ensure self-governance and protect the customs, traditions and socio-political identity of indigenous tribal communities in the Garo Hills, said the decision was taken to strengthen the effective administration of tribal affairs and safeguard customary laws.
As per the recent notification issued by the Chief Executive Member of the GHADC, submission of a valid ST certificate will be compulsory at the time of filing nomination papers. The certificate will serve as primary documentary proof of the candidate’s tribal status during scrutiny.
Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers have been directed to verify the ST certificate during the scrutiny process. Failure to produce the certificate will be treated as a major defect, and the nomination paper will be liable to rejection in accordance with 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 Meghalaya government on February 16 announced that elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) will be held on April 10, with counting of votes scheduled for April 14.
ALSO READ: Meghalaya announces GHADC polls on April 10; counting on April 14
The GHADC is one of the three autonomous district councils in Meghalaya. It is vested with legislative and administrative powers over specified subjects in the tribal areas of the Garo Hills region.
