Garo Hills

The Meghalaya State Government has recently extended the term of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) for a period of six months. This extension ensures the continued functioning of the council and highlights the importance of local governance in tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

About Autonomous District Councils

Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) are self-governing bodies established under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The Sixth Schedule identifies ten tribal areas across four northeastern states:

• Assam (3)

• Meghalaya (3)

• Tripura (1)

• Mizoram (3)

Each tribal area forms an autonomous district, administered by its own ADC, which exercises legislative, administrative, and judicial powers over local matters.

Membership and Tenure

An ADC consists of up to 30 members, with 26 members elected by adult franchise and 4 nominated by the Governor. The tenure of an ADC is five years from the date of its constitution. These members are responsible for representing local interests and managing district-level governance.

Functions of Autonomous District Councils

ADCs have wide-ranging powers to govern local affairs, particularly those affecting tribal communities. Key functions include:

• Legislation and governance: Making laws on land use, forest management (except reserved forests), and the appointment of traditional chiefs and headmen.

• Social regulation: Establishing rules for inheritance of property, marriage, divorce, and the functioning of village courts.

• Infrastructure and development: Constructing and managing primary schools, dispensaries, markets, ferries, fisheries, and roads.

• Economic regulation: Controlling money lending and trade by non-tribals, subject to Governor’s assent.

These functions empower ADCs to preserve tribal identity, manage resources, and oversee local development.

Revenue Sources

Autonomous District Councils generate revenue through a variety of local taxes and tolls, including:

• Taxes on professions, trades, callings, and employment

• Taxes on animals, vehicles, and boats

• Taxes on the entry and sale of goods in markets and tolls on ferries

• Taxes dedicated to the maintenance of schools, dispensaries, and roads

This financial autonomy allows ADCs to function independently and address local needs efficiently.

Significance

The extension of the GHADC term emphasizes the role of ADCs in strengthening grassroots democracy in tribal areas. They are vital institutions for preserving tribal culture, managing resources, and enabling local self-governance while balancing the interests of both tribal and non-tribal populations.