Shillong, Mar 17: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Monday approved a six-month extension for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), extending its term from April 18 to October 18. The extension is intended to provide the council additional time to address pending administrative and policy matters.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong announced the Cabinet’s decision, stating that ministers had conducted a detailed review of the council’s ongoing term. “We focused solely on the GHADC extension today. After discussing all aspects, the Cabinet agreed to prolong the current House’s tenure by six months,” he said.

The council also witnessed a leadership change on Monday. Chief Executive Member (CEM) Albinus R. Marak resigned earlier in the day, and Dhormonot CH. Sangma was elected as the new CEM in the afternoon.

With the new Executive Committee in place, the state government has indicated that major decisions will be deferred to the council. Tynsong noted that the council would handle key issues, including those related to Scheduled Tribes and the eligibility of tribal and non-tribal candidates in future GHADC elections.

The six-month extension is expected to allow the council to resolve pending matters ahead of fresh elections scheduled later this year, aiming to maintain stability in governance within the autonomous district.