House okays ST Commission Bill
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 03 2014 :
The Manipur Legislative Assembly today passed the Manipur State Commission for the Scheduled Tribes Bill 2014 .
Notably, many tribal organisations have been urging the Government to set up the Manipur State Commission for the Scheduled Tribes.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who is also in charge of Tribal Affairs and Hills tabled the Bill for due discussion and approval by the House.
Taking part in the discussion, Dr I Ibohalbi emphasised on the need to look into all negative aspects of the Bill, if there is any before the House passes it.
Once the Bill has been passed and becomes an Act, the Commission's Chairman can summon anybody and the Commission is authorised to obtain any documents it desires by force.
Pointing out that such power given to the Commission may create conflicts, Dr Ibohalbi suggested that the Bill be referred to the Select Committee for due examination before it is passed.
In his response, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam clarified that the Bill was not a new one.
He also pointed out that the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has been already set up at the national level.
In line with this development, the need for establishment for the State Commission for Scheduled Tribes was also growing in the State.
What the Commission decides would not be final.
The Commission would be making only recommendations to the Government.
The Commission is given authority to summon any one so that they can examine the particular case effectively.
This would not bring any harmful effect, the Deputy Chief Minister stated.
L Ibomcha and Samuel Risom also took part in discussing the Bill.