SHILLONG : Laban MDC Ricky Shullai has urged the Meghalaya government to declare November 1 as a State Holiday in honour of Rev JJM Nichols-Roy, recognising his historic contribution towards safeguarding tribal autonomy through the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Shullai described Rev Nichols-Roy as one of the principal architects and strongest defenders of the Sixth Schedule during the Constituent Assembly debates.
The memorandum highlighted Nichols-Roy’s intervention on September 6, 1949, where he reportedly declared, “Our aspiration is with India,” while advocating constitutional safeguards and autonomy for the hill tribes within the Indian Union.
The Sixth Schedule, which came into effect on January 26, 1950, created a special constitutional framework for tribal areas by granting legislative and executive powers, protection of tribal land, recognition of customary laws and preservation of traditional institutions.
According to the memorandum, the constitutional arrangement later paved the way for the formation of the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council on June 27, 1952. It further noted that the Sixth Schedule continues to serve as a key model of tribal self-governance and asymmetric federalism in India.
Shullai also stated that after Rev Nichols-Roy’s death on November 1, 1959, the District Council formally recognised his contributions and has been observing the day in his memory ever since.
The memorandum further traced Nichols-Roy’s association with several national leaders involved in shaping modern India, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Gopinath Bordoloi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
It also mentioned that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had visited Nichols-Roy’s residence “Mountain View” at Qualapaty in Shillong, where discussions on constitutional safeguards for the hill areas reportedly took place.
Shullai argued that declaring November 1 as a State Holiday would formally acknowledge Nichols-Roy’s foundational role in protecting the identity, customs and rights of the indigenous people of Meghalaya. He added that such recognition would also help spread constitutional awareness among the younger generation and encourage educational institutions to organise programmes on the Sixth Schedule and tribal self-governance.
The memorandum stressed that while the Sixth Schedule originated from recommendations made by the Bordoloi-led North-East Frontier (Assam) Tribal and Excluded Areas Sub-Committee, Nichols-Roy played a decisive role in defending and refining the framework inside the Constituent Assembly.
“Rev. J.J.M. Nichols-Roy’s contribution transcends political and denominational lines. Recognition at the State level would not merely commemorate a leader but institutionalise respect for the constitutional framework that safeguards the identity, rights, customs, and autonomy of the people of Meghalaya,” the memorandum stated.
Shullai also requested the government to consider the official proceedings and resolution of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council on the matter.