The Meghalaya Cabinet has scheduled the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) for April 10. The Cabinet approved the poll schedule during its meeting in Shillong.
Cabinet Minister Wailadmiki Shylla announced the key dates after the meeting. He said authorities will issue the official notification on March 9, inviting constituencies to elect their representatives.
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Nomination and Scrutiny Timeline
Candidates must file their nominations by March 16 before 3 PM. Officials will scrutinise the nomination papers on the same day after 3 PM. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until March 17 at 3 PM. The authorities will publish the final list of valid candidates and allot election symbols on March 18.
Voters will cast their ballots on April 10 between 7 AM and 4 PM. Officials will count votes on April 14.
Political parties have intensified their campaigns across the Garo Hills region. The National People’s Party (NPP) has already declared candidates for most of the seats and has stepped up outreach efforts.
Cabinet Clears Job Reservation Policy Report
In another major decision, the Cabinet approved the report of the Expert Committee on the State Job Reservation Policy. The government will table the report in the Meghalaya Assembly on Wednesday.
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) had earlier criticised the delay in making the report public.
The government constituted the committee in 2023 to review the existing reservation structure. Justice (Retd) M. C. Garg headed the panel. The committee submitted its report in June last year.
At present, the policy reserves 40 per cent of state government jobs each for the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo communities. It allocates 5 per cent for other Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. The remaining 15 per cent falls under the unreserved category. The Assembly will now deliberate on the panel’s recommendations.
Police Accountability Commission Approved
The Cabinet also approved the creation of a Police Accountability Commission under the provisions of the Meghalaya Police Act, 2010. The move aims to strengthen oversight and transparency in policing.
Retired IAS officer Peter Ingty will chair the Commission. Retired IAS officer V. R. Syiem will serve as a member.
In addition, the Cabinet cleared amendments to the Meghalaya Police Act, 2010. It also approved the transfer of the Re-organisation Cell to the Home (Political) Department to streamline administrative functioning.
With the GHADC elections approaching and key policy decisions moving forward, Meghalaya’s political landscape is set for an active period in the coming weeks.
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