The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) was set up in June 1952 under Article 244 (2) read with the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India. It is seated at Tura and covers five districts i.e. East Garo Hills District, West Garo Hills District, South Garo Hills District, North Garo Hills District and South West Garo Hills District. It is one of the three Autonomous District Councils within Meghalaya, and one of twenty-five autonomous regions of India. The total area of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council is 10,102 sq km having a population of 1,394,362 as of 2011.
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides for administration of specified tribal areas by constituting a District Council for each Autonomous District with powers to make laws on matters listed in paragraph 3 (1) of the Schedule mainly in respect of allotment, occupation, use of land, management of forest other than reserve forests, use of any canal or water courses for irrigation purposes, regulation of the practice of “Jhum” or other forms of shifting cultivation, establishment of village or town committees or councils and their powers, village or town administration including police, public health and sanitation and inheritance of property. Under Paragraph 6(1) of the Schedule, the Councils have powers to establish, construct or manage primary schools, dispensaries, markets, cattle pounds, ferries, roads, road transport and waterways in the respective Autonomous Districts. The Councils also have powers within the Autonomous Districts to assess, levy and collect revenue in respect of land and buildings, taxes on professions, trade, callings and employments, animals, vehicles and boats, tolls on passengers and goods carried in ferries and the maintenance of schools, dispensaries or roads as listed in Paragraph 8 of the Schedule.
Garo Hills Autonomous District Council is composed of 30 members. Out of 30 members, 29 members are elected directly by the people from territorial constituencies. One member is nominated by the Governor of Meghalaya, who holds office at the Governor's pleasure. The elected members generally serve a five-year term, unless the council is dissolved earlier under specific circumstances. The council elects a Chairman, who presides over its sessions and ensures orderly conduct of debates and legislative proceedings. The executive authority of the council is exercised by the Chief Executive Member (CEM), who functions as the head of the executive branch. The CEM is supported by an Executive Committee, which is responsible for implementing policies, supervising administrative departments, and carrying out development programmes within the council's jurisdiction