MPRFM alleges vicious campaign on ADC Bill
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 05 2021: Movement for People's Rights Forum, Manipur (MPRFM) has strongly condemned alleged false campaign and narrative created over the ADC Bill issue and accused some political leaders and organisations of working overnight to mislead the people consequent to non-tabling of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Bill, 2021 in the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

In a statement, MPRFM convener Gonmei Kuripou said the ADC Bill recommended by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) indeed was to grant more powers particularly to the HAC but it can be done by the Parliament alone and not in Manipur Legislative Assembly.

HAC has its origin in Section 52 of the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 and then the constitutional status to HAC was granted by Article 371C of the Indian Constitution.

Irrespective of whether people like it or not, it has to be accepted that HAC is a standing committee of Manipur Legislative Assembly with a constitutional protection.

By going through Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Area Committee) order of 1972, it is well understood that HAC is a recommending body just like any other standing committee of the legislative assembly.

Interestingly, the proposed Bill is about granting executive powers to HAC rather than devolution of powers to the ADCs, he pointed out.

While maintaining that HAC is a constitutional body and its powers and functions are defined by a Presidential order, the MPRFM convener asked as to why did HAC proposed a Bill which is not within the powers of the state legislation and why did not proponents of the Bill inform all these issues to the public.

The MPRFM convener then alleged that the Bill indeed is an election gimmick to mislead public for getting votes in the upcoming state assembly election.

He also appealed to people not to fall to such cheap political propaganda and remain united to defeat such evil machinations.

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