Former GHADC CEM P.K. Sangma Passes Away

Why in News?

Recently, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), P.K. Sangma, passed away after a brief illness. He was a prominent political leader in Garo Hills and had served as the Chief Executive Member of the GHADC, contributing significantly to local self-governance and regional development.

About the Chief Executive Member (CEM)

The Chief Executive Member (CEM) is the head of the Executive Committee of an Autonomous District Council (ADC) constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Functions of the CEM

Heads the Executive Committee of the District Council.
Supervises administration and implementation of council policies.
Exercises executive powers delegated by the Council.
Coordinates developmental and welfare activities within the autonomous district.
Functions similarly to a Chief Minister at the district council level.

Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC)

Constitutional Basis

Established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Provides autonomy to tribal areas in Northeast India.

Jurisdiction

The GHADC administers tribal affairs in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya.

Powers

Management of customary laws and traditions.
Regulation of land and forest resources (excluding reserved forests).
Administration of village institutions.
Promotion of tribal culture and local governance.

Autonomous District Councils under the Sixth Schedule

The Sixth Schedule provides for Autonomous District Councils in tribal areas of:

Assam
Meghalaya
Tripura
Mizoram

ADCs in Meghalaya

Practice Question

Q. With reference to the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of an Autonomous District Council, consider the following statements:

The CEM heads the Executive Committee of the Autonomous District Council.
The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council functions under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.
Meghalaya has three Autonomous District Councils under the Sixth Schedule.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only

(Statement 2 is incorrect because GHADC functions under the Sixth Schedule, not the Fifth Schedule.)

MCQ (Current Affairs – Meghalaya)

Q. Recently, the former Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), who passed away after a brief illness, was:

(A) Williamson A. Sangma
(B) Benedic Marak
(C) P.K. Sangma
(D) Admiral K. Sangma

Answer: (C) P.K. Sangma

Explanation: P.K. Sangma, a former Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), passed away in June 2026 after a brief illness. He was a prominent political figure in the Garo Hills region.