ADC Members For Devolution Of More Power
Separate budgetary allocation demand raised
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 17 2013:
Demanding devolution of more powers along with separate budgetary allocations for Autonomous District Councils, Members of the six ADCs today staged a protest demonstration at ADC Bhavan, Chingmeirong here.
Talking to media persons at the protest site, ADC Coordinating Committee Manipur secretary Hemjathang Khongsai said their agitation was based on four primary demands.
Saying that the matter would be taken up with the Governor, Hemjathang informed that they would go to New Delhi and apprise their grievances to relevant Central leaders if no positive response is forthcoming even after a complaint is lodged with the Governor.
The ADC may even resign enmasse as a last resort.
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More autonomy for the six ADCs, incorporation of separate budgets and demand heads, adequate devolution of powers in respect of Central sponsored schemes in hill areas and empowerment of the ADCs to run 26 subjects in accordance with the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (3rd Amendment) Act 2008 are the primary demands.
The committee already served an ultimatum to Chief Minister O Ibobi urging for the same demands on January 5 .
The ADCs were revived after a gap of almost 20 years with vigorous efforts from the State Government.
But the ADC Members as well as hill people have started questioning openly if there is any point in reviving the ADCs, Hemjathang stated.