TODAY -

ATSUM decries Govt bid to tweak ADC Bill-2021
Source: Chronicle News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, August 17 2022: The All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) on Wednesday alleged that the "charge made by Chief Minister N Biren on the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) recommended ADC Bill 2021 as 'disintegrating Manipur' published in local media on August 12, 2022 is nothing but an attempt to politicize and criminalize the tribal movement and further deprive tribals of constitutional rights" .

In a statement, the apex tribal student body of Manipur said that it was "unfortunate to learn the head of the state interpreting the existing legislative procedure into his convenient terms" .

The ATSUM statement also said, 'As empowered by Article 371C read with the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) orders 1972, the HAC had recommended a landmark ADC Bill 2021 which is permissible un der the law to strengthen the Autonomous District Council (ADC) and ensure equitable development in the state of Manipur" .

According to th.e tribal student body, the HAC has done its constitutional duty as specified under paragraph 4 (3) and paragraph 7 of the presidential orders 1972 .

"Therefore, rather than derailing the genuine constitutional demand of the tribal populace, the Chief Minister should facilitate the flow of the legislative procedures in the Manipur Legislative Assembly by introducing the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill 2021 which was recommended by the HAC," the ATSUM added.

According to the ATSUM, the remark of the chief minister is, "in fact, a ploy to mislead" the people of the state and foster further misunderstanding between the "hill tribals" and the valley community.

The ATSUM added that there is nothing as such in the contents of the bill that aims to disintegrate the state but autonomy and equitable development for the hill areas as envisaged in the Article 371 C of the Constitution of India.

The tribal student body further said that the ADC Bill 2021 provides for a Hill Secretariat to oversee the administration of the ADCs headed by an officer not below the rank of chief secretary but it does not mean that there shall be a "separate state secretariat" for the hill areas to be headed by a chief secretary.

"Two secretariats" or "two chief secretaries" as alleged by the chief minister is just a figment of his imagination, the ATSUM further added.

The ATSUM then said that the two proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2022 and the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2022 are just eyewash to thwart the movement for the demand of HAC recommended ADC Bill 2021.The ATSUM expressed its regret that the "inimical stance" of the State Government to the constitutional concept of tribal autonomy and the two proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2022 and Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2022 as nothing but another dangerous political bait to countermand the HAC recommended the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 .

The ATSUM rejected the two proposed Bills as a dissolution rather than devolution, disempowering rather than empowering, inter alia, for the following reasons.

Firstly, according to the tribal student body, by omitting the operative term "Autonomous" in particular, the State Government attempts to reduce the existing autonomous district councils into mere small town district corporations.

Secondly, according to the ATSUM, Section 29(xxvii) of the proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2022 proposes a dangerous land use policy in a blatant attempt to di lute the existing tribal land rights.

Apart from the erstwhile requirement of being a Scheduled Tribe, the new land use policy attempts to introduce other "domiciliary" criteria as an alternative qualifying status for the purpose of acquiring land in the Hill Areas.

"Meaning, any person including a non-tribal can now acquire tribal lands if he is a domicile within a given hill district.

The proposed Bills also attempt to exempt the State Government from the existing bar as the State Government may now freely acquire lands in the Hill Areas if it is for public utility purposes, " the ATSUM statement pointed out.

Thirdly, the ATSUM said that the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2022 has omitted the subject "public health and sanitation" and Section 29(2) of the principal Act, i.e.the competency of the District Council to recommend in the matters of (a) appointment or succession of chiefs; (b) inheritance of property; (c) marriage and divorce; and (d) social customs.

Fourthly, the ATSUM also said that the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2022 "attempts to rope in the Indian Forest Act, 1927 .

Fifthly, the new Bill attempts to take away the "protected forest" from the existing power of the autonomous district councils to manage any forest as proposed under Section 29(xiv), according to the tribal student body.

Sixthly, the ATSUM said that the proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Sixth Amendment) Act, 2022 which provides each district council to consist maximum of 24 elected members and a minimurn of 3 elected members makes a mockery of the Autonomous District Councils.

"Moreover, by conferring equal voting rights and privileges to the nominated members and by giving the state government the power to determine the number of members in each District Council, the Bill attempts to further strangulate the existing autonomous district councils," the ATSUM further alleged.

"Rather than suppressing the democratic aspirations of the hill tribals through threat and intimidation", the ATSUM urged the state government to promptly address the issue in the interest of peaceful "mutual co-existence" .


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




HEADLINES - 18, AUG 2022
  • Attempt to criminalise tribal movement, ATSUM reacts to CM
  • Covid positive cases rise by 26
  • Uncertainty looms over Imphal-Mandalay bus service
  • Two remanded to judicial custody
  • Enraged locals block Yairipok-Keithelmanbi road
  • Murder accused granted bail
  • SBI felicitates CWG gold medalist Mirabai
  • Kh Bishwamitra's short narrative 'Eewai' selected for 4th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival
  • Training programme on "Aquarium making and Ornamental fish fanning" conducted
  • Meeyamgi Numit to be held today at Thoubal
  • Dalit Sahitya Academy, Manipur commemorates brave forefathers
  • Workshop on implementation of DSM Action Plan conducted
  • Loan Mela / Customer Meet conducted
  • Inter-Generational Bonding Mela held
  • 15-day workshop on 'Lai Haraoba Shintak Sindamba Thouram' kicks off
  • Imphal West Commandos apprehend one active member of KYKL
  • HERICOUN president emphasizes on quality education for developed society
  • Half holiday
  • Traffic diverted
  • Aided schools
  • Drug worth over Rs 5 cr seized
  • 2nd MKF Robert Memorial Internship presented
  • Revolutionary People's Front clarifies
  • Death anniversary observed
  • JAC calls off indefinite bandh
  • AMSU demands safeguard of indigenes, NRC update, repeal of CAA 2019
  • Govt clarifies on school conversion
  • Rajnath to attend Durand Cup opener today
  • State lags behind in administering precautionary dose
  • State logs 26 fresh cases, 19 recoveries
  • Fake encounter victim's wife crawls out from flesh trade
  • SBI presents ₹5 lakh to S Mirabai Chanu
  • MTU in mess in absence of regular registrar: SSUM
  • Govt urged to settle land compensation
  • Meeyamgi Numit for Thoubal district today
  • Bajaj Auto, PNB tie up to generate employment
  • MLA seeks public support to 'War on Drugs
  • MKF presents Robert Memorial Internship
  • Tiddim road bandh called off; body claimed
  • Training on aquarium making, ornamental fish held
  • Complaint case registered on sale of fake pesticide
  • Inter-generation bonding mela organised
  • Research and training centre inaugurated
  • Tricolour boat rally celebrates I-Day
  • Restaurant announces lucky draw
  • MSKA golden jubilee celebration begins
  • RPF rejects Thoubal police claim
  • Chairman vows fair service to workers
  • Locals block road to protest Govt apathy
  • Workshop on Lai Haraoba underway
  • Dalit Sahitya Akademi remembers patriots
  • Dr Ibotombi memorial award presented
  • Job card holders call for settling row
  • One KYKL cadre apprehended
  • Pond renovated, dedicated to public
  • Drive launched for schemes, vaccination
  • Leadership Development prog conducted
  • Awareness workshop on DSM Action Plan held
  • LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #8
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • The fight for survival in Manipur
  • A call for unity from displaced voices
  • COVID-19: Update 08 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Dogs Are Staying on the Ground :: Poem
  • Football Tournament at Heinoukhongnembi
  • Condemns Kuki Inpi's Directive
  • Installation Ceremony of Lions Club, Imphal
  • All that can go wrong has gone wrong
  • Manipur peaceful from Delhi's perspective
  • Bashanta Ras @Govindaji #2 : Gallery
  • Hypocrisy & the betrayal of sovereignty
  • Healing with Art for children concluded
  • Manipur : Champions 24th Junior Natl Wushu
  • Path to Becoming a Leader Who Inspires
  • Van Mahotsav 2025, festival of life
  • The Flavours of Life :: Poem
  • Assault on sensibilities of the media
  • Revival of MPP after years of bitter disputes
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 2 : Ooba Video
  • Jianreilung, Chingamba, Masounii : eMing
  • How Jessami conservation of Nongin
  • Shija Hospitals turns 40
  • COVID-19: Update 06 July 2025 : Manipur
  • The Indomitable Young Souls :: Poem
  • Growing network of drug dealers in country
  • Politics of SoO pact since 2008
  • No takers for disturbance-free education
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025