Implement 6th Schedule if ADC Bill cannot be passed: Leishiyo
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 20 2021:
Phungyar AC MLA Leishiyo Keishing has urged the state government to implement the Sixth Schedule in the state if it cannot pass the proposed Autonomous District Council Bill.
The MLA, who is also the chairman of Hill Areas Committee (HAC), made the proposition during a thanksgiving and blessing ceremony held in his honour at Nambashi Horton on Monday.
Stating that there is vast difference in the development and lifestyle between the hills and the valley even after 50 years of Manipur attaining statehood; Leishiyo remarked that it remains a big question whether the hills would be able to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Manipur Statehood in 2022, especially considering the poor state of roads, transport, schools, shortage of teachers, lack of electricity connection and other issues in the hills.
He continued: "While other states in India are ensuring full tribal rights, the Manipur government has adopted an attitude of denying the rights of the tribals in the state.
In such a situation, if the government finds it difficult to allow the ADC Bill, it should implement the Sixth Schedule instead.
If the state government is facing fund constraints with regard to development works in the state, it should pave the way for central assistance.
However, it continuously refuses to do so.
"As such, it needs to be clarified when, where and how the hills and the valley are one entity, when there is no action supporting the claims.
If the Assembly cannot take up the ADC Bill and pass it into an Act, how can there be equal development (or schemes) which are supposed to come under the Act," the MLA said and demanded the ruling government to pass the Bill and ensure full functioning of the ADC.
Regarding the promises made by some political parties to hold the ADC polls after the assembly election, Leishiyo said that the requirement is for the present.
After the assembly election, there will be no candidates to contest for the ADC polls, as it will not be supported by the budget.
There will also be no remuneration, TA/DA, schemes, grant-in-aid, etc.
The ADC has been present for over 50 years and everybody knows what works and what does not work.
"If the Bill is not passed in the Assembly, there is no use for holding the polls.
The leaders should be decisive and make it clear that they want to pass the Bill," he contended.
On the questions being raised in media with regard to the hill MLAs staying in Imphal after the polls; the Phungyar MLA asked whether the government even keep the hill MLAs in their sight.
He questioned what the MLAs can do when the much-needed funds are in Imphal and the departments concerned are the ones utilising the funds.
Further questioning what funds have been given to the MLAs which they could "misuse" into relocating at Imphal, as has been claimed; Leishiyo said that if the hill MLAs had truly used the funds for themselves, there is no need for the departments.
Thus, he urged against speaking carelessly and misleading the innocent public but to speak the truth instead.
Recounting the publication of the budget and expenditures of the departments and (he allegation of appropriation in the media a!nd other social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, etc., few days ago; he questioned what the vigilance department has been doing till date, if the hill MLAs had really misappropriated the funds.
The HAC chairman then urged all concerned to stop speaking lies and instead practice honest politics to bring about equal development in both the hill and the valley.
Only then will the people truly believe that the leaders are there for them.
Otherwise, the people would forever regard them as liars.
Leishiyo also urged against trying to govern the state through media or social media platforms.
The MLA presented blankets to chiefs of over 20 village during the programme which was also attended by pastors of different churches.
Comment
