Tribal body demands separate hill budget
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 24 2015:
All Tribal Rights Protection Forum, Manipur (ATRPFM) has urged the Hill Area Committee (HAC) of Manipur Legislative Assembly to propose a separate budget for hill areas in the ensuing budget session of State Legislative Assembly.
According to a memorandum signed and forwarded to HAC Chairman by ATRPFM President Ch Sanjoy and General Secretary H Bryan Doungel, the tribal body demanded a separate hill budget besides formulation of separate five-year and annual plans for hill areas, and implementation of HAC Act under Article 371(c) Item 6 of the Indian Constitution.
ATRPFM has threatened to launch mass campaign if their demands were not met.
The forum has also demanded the State Government to devolve legitimate powers to the elected members of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) as per Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (3rd Amendment) Act, 2008 and Article 371 (c) Item 6 of the Indian Constitution.