ATSUM organises discussion programme on ST rights
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 06 2018:
The All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) organised a discussion programme on 'Constitutional Rights of the Scheduled Tribes in India' at the conference hall of Tribal Research Institute at Chingmeirong today.
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Vice Chairperson Anusuiya Uikey, NCST Deputy Secretary PT Jameskutty, member HK Damor, Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST) Chairman RH Gonmei, members Dr Simpson Sareo and Dr John Pulamte and TRI Director Joseph Pauline attended the event as the presidium members.
Speaking at the event which was also attended by numerous tribal bodies and students, NCST vice chairperson Anusuiya Uikey said that even though the Constitution has various provisions for the tribals, they (tribal) have not been able to get the full benefit of such provisions till date.
Anusuiya Uikey claimed that the situation is so because of lack of proper knowledge about such provisions of the Constitutions by the tribals.
NCST receives many complaints regarding issues about tribal economy, rights and benefits etc.
It is high time for the people to unite and work to earn these rights, Anusuiya Uikey added.
If any issue or problems related to the tribal lack the recommendation of NCST, they cannot be brought up to the Union Cabinet or the Parliament.
The Vice Chairperson also informed that NCST will organise a review meeting with Government officials, apart from bringing up the tribal issues to the Chief Minister and the Governor as well.
On.
the other hand, MSCST chairperson RH Gonmei spoke on the works and contributions of the commission.
ATSUM president Vareiyo Shatshang claimed that around 42 percent of the total population of Manipur is comprised of tribal community.
There are also many small and virtually extinct community in the State.
However the real issue is that even if the Constitution lays down many Acts to safeguard the tribals, they have not been properly implemented till date, he claimed.