Nokma Sani Union seeks Rajya Sabha MP’s intervention over VEC elections, implementation of VB-G RAM G Act in Garo Hills
Tura, October 25, 2026: The Nokma Sani Union (NSU), Garo Hills District, Meghalaya, has sought the intervention of Rajya Sabha MP Shri Kanad Purkayastha over concerns regarding the implementation of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, particularly the constitution and functioning of Village Employment Councils (VECs) and other village-level implementing committees in traditional Nokma A’king areas.
In a representation dated October 24, 2026, addressed to the Rajya Sabha MP, the Union raised concerns over reported irregularities in the election and selection of office-bearers of VECs, Programme Executive/Implementation Committees (PEICs), and other implementing bodies.
The Union stated that it had received complaints from various A·king areas regarding whether prescribed procedures were being followed and whether traditional village headmen, known as Nokmas, were being consulted wherever required under applicable laws, rules, notifications and government instructions.
The representation called for clear and uniform guidelines from the competent authorities to ensure that village-level committees are constituted transparently and in accordance with the applicable legal framework.
Seeks clarity on Nokmas’ role:
Highlighting the traditional institution of the Nokma in the customary administration of the Garo Hills, the Union stressed the need for due recognition of Nokmas in village-level planning and the functioning of implementing committees wherever their involvement is provided for under the applicable provisions.
The Union maintained that while rural employment and development programmes must be implemented in accordance with the governing legislation, traditional institutions should not be unnecessarily excluded or bypassed where consultation or specific responsibilities are recognised by law or official instructions.
It also sought clarification on the extent to which provisions under the earlier Meghalaya Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MREGS), 2006, continue to apply under the new VB-G RAM G framework.
Calls for transparent and uniform procedures:
The NSU expressed concern that uncertainty over the applicable procedures and alleged irregularities in committee formation could lead to misunderstandings, disputes and divisions among villagers, potentially affecting the peaceful functioning of traditional A’king institutions and the implementation of rural development programmes.
Among its key demands, the Union called for proper maintenance of records relating to meetings, consultations, elections and committee proceedings; effective mechanisms for receiving and resolving complaints; and appropriate corrective action wherever procedural violations are established. It further urged the competent authorities to examine disputed committee formations and ensure meaningful consultation with traditional Nokmas wherever required.
Union says it supports rural development programmes
Clarifying its position, the Nokma Sani Union stated that it was not opposed to the implementation of the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, or any lawful rural employment and development programme. Instead, the Union said its concerns were focused on ensuring compliance with applicable procedures and appropriate recognition of traditional village institutions within the current implementation framework.
The representation urged MP Kanad Purkayastha to take up the matter with the competent authorities of the Government of India and the Government of Meghalaya, particularly the concerned Community and Rural Development authorities, to secure clarification and promote transparent, accountable and peaceful implementation throughout the traditional Nokma A·king areas of the Garo Hills.