ATDUM blames non tribal officials
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 31 2011:
The All Tribal Disabled's Union Manipur (ATDUM) has alleged that the Hills and Tribal Development Department shares little concern for development of tribal people as many important posts of the department are being occupied by non-tribals.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, ATDUM president Momo Tantanga alleged that it is 60 years since India gained independence, successive State Governments have been paying little attention to the hill areas of the State.
The vast areas of the State which are inhabited by tribal people still remain quite backward in multiple aspects of development like transport and communication infrastructure, health care, education infrastructure and other basic civic amenities.
In addition to Chief Minister holding the portfolio of Hills and Tribal Department, many other top posts of the Department are also being occupied by non-tribals.
On account of this, the department is as good as dead and it is showing little empathy with the tribal people, Momo Tantanga alleged.
Many schemes and development programmes specifically designed for tribal people are being denied to their targeted population.
He further alleged that all the development programmes and funds are being concentrated in Manipur valley alone.
He demanded that competed tribal IAS officers should be appointed Commissioner and Principal Secretary of the department.
Meanwhile ATDUM and the Federation of All Tribal Youth Club have dispatched a memorandum each to the Prime Minister of India.