# Meghalaya council approves separate ST-only voter roll

2026-08-10T12:40:34+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in Meghalaya on Monday approved amendments to Rules 128 and 129, creating a separate electoral roll for its elections and barring non-Scheduled Tribes from voting or contesting. The reform ends the council's decades-old practice of using the state assembly electoral roll, which allowed non-tribals to participate. Only persons belonging to Scheduled Tribes notified for Meghalaya will now be eligible, fulfilling a long-standing demand in Garo Hills. The move follows violent protests earlier this year that forced the postponement of GHADC elections and led to legal scrutiny. The Meghalaya high court had quashed an earlier notification making ST status mandatory for candidates. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had backed the demand. Next, the council will prepare a dedicated electoral roll based on the revised eligibility provisions.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/meghalaya-clears-separate-st-only-electoral-roll-in-sixth-schedule-reform-101786363168620.html>
- assamtribune.com <https://assamtribune.com/north-east/meghalayas-ghadc-bars-non-tribals-from-polls-approves-separate-electoral-roll-1615461>

Tags: electoral roll, Garo Hills, GHADC, Meghalaya, Scheduled Tribes, Sixth Schedule
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