Tura, April 22 -- The Meghalaya government has begun steps to introduce an indigenous-focused electoral framework for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), including a proposal for a dedicated Scheduled Tribe (ST)-exclusive electoral roll, an official said on Wednesday.
The proposed system is aimed at ensuring that only ST voters participate in GHADC elections, in what officials describe as an effort to safeguard indigenous rights, land ownership, and customary governance structures in Sixth Schedule areas.
"The preparation of a dedicated ST-exclusive electoral roll will secure the demographic and political future of these tribes and safeguard tribal lands by strengthening land transfer regulations, ensuring only tribal repr...