The decision came in the wake of the influential tribal NGOs threatening to intensify their agitation in at least four districts of Meghalaya against enrolment through these special cells which they said facilitate enrolment of "dubious" voters.
"After dwelling diligently on the issue, we have decided to do away with the facilitation cells for enrolment of eligible voters," Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said in a communique to the media.
According to him, the facilitation cells set up the DC and SDO offices in Shillong city and other Khasi Jaintia Hills district, have become a "cause of apprehension" between the NGOs and the government.
The NGOs which include the Khasi Students Union, the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People and the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front have demanded complete halt of enrolment drives and such enrolment should be taken at the level of the traditional village level bodies or the Dorbars.
"The exercise of engaging the youth of the state in coming out to enrol themselves as per provisions and guidelines of the Election Commission of India is already underway," Mukul stated adding that adequate sensitisation and awareness is carried out amongst the youth of the state to encourage them to come forward and enrol themselves as eligible voters. (MORE)