ADC Senapati observes 47th raising day
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, August 01 2019: The 47th Raising Day of Autonomous District Council, Senapati was observed at Mini Stadium, Senapati under the theme, "Tug for Rights." The inaugural function was graced by A Kapani, Chairman, ADC, Senapati as the chief guest and John Hingba, Vice Chairman, ADC, Senapati as the chief host respectively.

Speaking as the event, A Kapani stated that by an Act of Parliament, the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act was enacted in 1971.The following year, its rules of 1972 was drafted and in 1973, 47 years ago, the first District Council Election was conducted.

The Council consisting of 18 members was stationed at Tadubi until 1983 when the ADC office was shifted to Senapati, the present site in 1986 .

ADC Senapati observes 47th raising day

Around that time, the process for procurement and allotment of land for construction of its office and school buildings started.

The Govt eventually allotted an area of 21.60 acre of land to the ADC, Senapati on February 16, 1991, he said.

The functioning of ADC administration came to a halt in 1993, after the 1988-93 tenure, when election to ADC was suspended.

Efforts to revive the functioning of the ADCs in Manipur were made that, in the year 2008, the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Amendment Act, 2008 was enacted by Manipur Legislative Assembly promising more power under the so called devolution of power wherein 26 departments were devolved to the ADCs of the hill.

Further, the number of council elected members was increased from 18 to 24 with 2 nominee members aside from the 24 members making it to 26 .

As things stand this day, the ADC Chairman asserted that 'devolution of power is just a lip service and all ADCs funds are running on grant-in-aid' .

"With little funds coming from the Govt, no actual developmental work could be carried out so far," he alleged.

Later, Kapani sought the cooperation of both young and old to come together and fight for 'rights' together.

Folk song from Senapati Thong Upper Primary School students and cultural dance from Katomei Centre Upper Primary School students attracted the gathering during the observance.

Tug of war competitions from the major tribes of the district consisting of Mao, Maram, Poumai Thangal and Zeliangrong was organised in the later part of the programme.

The Poumai tribe, the Mao tribe and the Maram tribe were declared as the first, second and third position holders respectively in the men's competition.

The Poumai tribe, the Thangal and the Mao tribe were declared as the first, second and third position respectively of the competition.

Ex-Ministers, ex-MLAs, ex-Chairmen of ADC, ex- ADC Members, DC, SP, DLOs, SDOs, members of various CSOs of the district attended the observance.