General Administration

The outlying parts of the Garo Hills were the first to be taken under direct British control in 1866. W. J. Williamson, then a Lieutenant, was posted as Assistant Commissioner in charge of the administration of the occupied areas. In December 1867, he assumed charge with his headquarters at Tura. In 1869, the Garo Hills became a separate district, and Williamson, who had been promoted to Captain, was confirmed as Deputy Commissioner. From that time onwards, the Garos came under the British rule until 1947.

The Garo Hills have been divided into three districts, and these again into subdivisions, and the officers in charge direct or coordinate all activities undertaken within their respective areas, law and order remaining the major part of their functions.

The Deputy Commissioner is the head of the district administration. In West Garo Hills, there are two Additional Deputy Commissioners and four Extra Assistant Commissioners. The Deputy Commissioner’s office is divided into a number of important branches. The General or Establishment Branch, the Judicial Branch, the Registration Branch and other branches in charge of Supply, Housing, Elections, Block Development as well as the District Selection Committee.

District Council Administration

The Garo Hills District Council came into being in 1952 under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India and the Assam and Meghalaya framed there under. At present, the jurisdiction of the Council is over the entire geographical area of Garo Hills across the district barrier. The administration is carried on by the Executive Committee constituted under the Autonomous District Rules, the Committee being headed by the Chief Executive Member. There are two Executive Members under him. These functionaries share among themselves the entire responsibility of administration, their separate functions being defined. In, short, in respect of the internal administration of the district they may be compared to the Ministers of the State Government in that they are elected to the Council and have particular subjects under their charge. The major subjects assigned to the Council are : Forests, Civil Works, Taxation, Revenue, Judicial, Transport and Education. The business of the house is conducted by the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, corresponding to the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker in the State Assembly.

Village Administration

In domestic matters, very wide powers are exercised by the Nokma of individual villages. He is the head or chief of the dominant clan within the territorial limits. There are Laskars and Sardars recognized by District Council who have a certain measure of magisterial powers and rather more police powers. Sardars are appointed to assist the Laskars in the discharge of their duties. The institution of Laskarship has come under some criticism in recent years.

Home | District Profile | History | The People | Tourist Interests | Industries | Agriculture | Literacy & Education

Health | Flora & Fauna | Minerals | C&RD Blocks | General Administration | IT in the District

Office of the Deputy Commissioner | Forms | Important Telephone Nos. | Press Releases