UADC 'chairman' pitches for enactment of ADC Bill 2021
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, September 23 2021: The caretaker chairman of Ukhrul ADC, Dr Yaronsho Ngalung has urged the state government to ensure early enactment of the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021, stating it would give 'fresh impetus' for empowerment of the local bodies.

The ADC chief's statement came amidst growing public support to the call for quick passage of the Bill across the hill districts of the state.

He said that "it's crucial to enact the Bill in order to strengthen the local self-government in the hill districts." Despite being constitutionally empowered, the local bodies have never been really empowered.

"This is because the powers and functions have not been fully devolved to the ADCs," Dr Ngalung said in a recent interaction.

"In the absence of devolution, the state government must ensure the new Bill is passed and made a law at the soonest to actually empower the grassroots governance in the hills," he said.

Public support to the demand for passage of the bill is fast gaining traction in the hill districts, ever since the state government failed to table it in its recent assembly session.

The new bill framed under Article 371C of the Constitution, was adopted by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) on August 16, 2021 and recommended to the state government on the next day.

On the other hand, the uncertainty that is currently looming over the pending ADC elections also presents a worrying proposition.

"Being an ADC chairman, I'm very much concerned about prolonged delay in the elections to the six ADCs.

Grassroots governance in hill districts is at risk without the executive council," he lamented.

However, with the assembly elections fast approaching, it's unlikely to see the ADC elections in the next few months.

"If such is the case, we request the government to conduct the ADC polls right after the state assembly elections and not delay them any further," he pleaded.

In the prevailing political situation, the rights of the tribals are at stake.

"It's important to promote the interest of scheduled tribes and minorities," he continued, stating that the situation called for brazening out the rampant assault on their rights.

To safeguard the future of the tribals, youngsters need to be empowered, Dr Ngalung stressed and opined that the passion of the youths needs to be translated into a skill set by way of empowering and including them in action-oriented activities.

With this, he also advocated a transparent and accountable work precedent in public offices and positions, while promoting productive welfare programmes and rapid growth.

Another crucial component of a prosperous society is its economy.

"For this, we need to harness local based produces through cluster settings from across the villages.

This will go a long way in enhancing the local economy" .

In the same vein, Dr Ngalung also expressed concern over the inordinate delay in resolving the Naga political issue.

He then stressed the need for the Naga public to have an unwavering conscience of unity.

"Along this line, we need to look forward to realizing an honourable and acceptable solution through the ongoing Indo-Naga talks," he added.

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