Opposing delimitation based on 2001 census...STDCM reiterates ST status demand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 26 2020:
Opposing the planned delimitation based on the 'controversial' 2001 census, the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) has appealed the Government to take up steps to recognise the Meetei/Meitei as a Scheduled Tribe community.
In line with the stand of several other CSOs which are against a delimitation based on the 2001 census, STDCM in a statement today maintained that there is urgent need for the Meetei/Meitei community to be recognised as an ST community to get fairly represented in the Govt and other administrative institutions.
While the SC and ST communities are protected by the Constitution, the majority indigenous group of Manipur, the Meeteis/Meiteis enjoy no such protection, it said.
Even as the Delimitation Act has provisions for awarding quota seats to STs and SC areas, there is no such provision for the Meeteis/Meiteis to get such quota.
To get fairly represented in the Government and get protected under the Constitution, the indigenous Meeteis/Meiteis should be recognised as a Scheduled Tribe community, STDCM said appealing the State Govt to take up all necessary steps and send recommendations to the authorities concerned and the Centre.
The STDCM also asserted that the delimitation should be conducted based on a reliable census which would ensure equal representation of the people in the Government.
It also reminded that the 2001 census had recorded abnormal growth in some sub-division of hill areas.