Lawmkunga as CS testifies Govt's effort to uplift tribals: ATSUM
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray
Ukhrul, August 01 2013:
All Tribal Student's Union Manipur (ATSUM) is buoyed with the elevation of P.Lawmkunga as the new State Chief Secretary and has lauded the move of the Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress Ministry as a historic gesture to uplift the tribals.
In an interview with Hueiyen Lanpao on Thursday, ATSUM general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang hailed the historic move of the Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress Ministry in the appointment of a tribal as the new Chief Secretary of the state.
"The elevation of P.Lawmkunga to the top post with the retirement of D.S.Poonia has convincingly testified the Government's sincerity to uplift the tribals in the State," he said.
The State Government on Wednesday issued an order elevating the Additional Chief Secretary P.Lawmkunga as the new Chief Secretary with D.S.Poonia ending his service extension on July 31 .
The tribal student body congratulated Lawmkunga, a senior IAS of Manipur-Tripura cadre, for assuming the top job while reposing faith that he will continue to carry on selfless service to the people.
"He (Lawmkunga) is the most deserving candidate...and the state government has taken the right decision acknowledging the long-standing appeal of ATSUM..." declared Shatsang.
In Lawmkunga's elevation on Thursday, the ATSUM sees a new dimension in the politics of the state that has for long been charged with prejudice against the tribals.
The body also thanked chief minister, tribal ministers and MLAs for the appointment of a tribal as the state CS.
Mentioning few notable instances of the incumbent Congress ministry's effort for the tribal communities of the state, Shatsang said the government has fulfilled its demand to retain the status quo of Additional English in BOSEM and age eligibility in MPSC examination.
"These issues have been ATSUM's priorities...and the government has listened to the voice of tribals," he added.
It also stated the government has internally approved to fill up vacancies of over 3000 teachers in the hill districts.
In this regard, the body informed that the initial recruitment for primary teachers would be conducted soon and the government is mulling step to regularise adhoc and contract teachers.
In view of the rising cases of child trafficking, the ATSUM announced it would be embarking on "sensitizing campaign" in the five hill districts.
The body will also conduct a survey during the campaign with support of Social Welfare department.
Minister for Social Welfare Mirabai has reportedly approved the body's proposal and agreed to fund the campaign, which is due to kick off in the next few weeks in all the hill districts.