BORDUMSA, May 21 : The Singpho Youth Organization-India, along with other community-based organizations from the Bordumsa Circle in Changlang district, has submitted a formal appeal to the administration seeking stringent monitoring and document verification during the upcoming Panchayat election enrollment process in the 14/01 Zilla Parishad (ZP) Assembly Constituency.
In a memorandum addressed to the concerned authorities, the organizations emphasized the need for strict adherence to the provisions laid out in the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1997, and its associated rules. They expressed concern over potential lapses in the voter enrollment process that could undermine the intent of the Panchayati Raj system, which is to empower indigenous communities through grassroots self-governance.
A key concern raised in the appeal is the exclusion of Non-APST individuals from APST-designated Panchayat areas. Citing Section 10 of the Act, the organizations argued that only members of the Gram Sabha—defined strictly as local indigenous residents—should be eligible for enrollment in these constituencies. They warned that the inclusion of non-APST individuals would dilute tribal representation and go against the spirit of the law.
Another sensitive issue highlighted was the voting eligibility of APST women married to Non-APST individuals. While the Act does not explicitly address this situation, the organizations referenced Section 57, which covers disqualifications for Panchayat membership. Based on traditional customs and the broader intention of preserving tribal integrity, they urged that such individuals be considered ineligible to vote in their native APST villages.
The memorandum also stressed the importance of mandatory verification of key documents—such as Permanent Residential Certificates (PRC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates, and birth certificates—before enrollment. According to the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Preparation of Electoral Roll) Rules, 2002, such verification is critical to ensure only genuine and eligible individuals are included in the rolls.
Further, the organizations cautioned against the acceptance of “concern certificates” issued by Headmen or Gaon Burahs (GBs) as valid proof of residency. Instead, they insisted that all applicants must provide authentic documents, such as valid ration cards or land ownership papers. Non-APST individuals, if considered, must also furnish legitimate land or residency documents to establish their connection to the constituency.
To bolster the integrity of the electoral process, the organizations demanded the formation of a verification committee that includes members from local community-based organizations (CBOs), student unions, and youth organizations from the Bordumsa ZP constituency. They believe this inclusive approach would help accurately identify valid voters and maintain the sanctity of the Panchayat electoral system.
