Former ADC members press for holding local body polls
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 03 2024: Former ADC member of Tamenglong K Liangpibou has exerted pressure on the relevant authorities for holding the elections to local bodies including the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in districts where peace and order prevail, in accordance with the state cabinet's decision.

Addressing a press conference convened by ADC members of different districts at Manipur Press Club here, on Saturday, K Liangpibou stated that it was announced in the Assembly on Friday that the state cabinet has decided to conduct local body elections, which have been pending for several years.

The Tribal Affairs & Hills, State Election Commission, and Hills Area Committee (HAC) have been notified to respond to this decision.

While stating that the HAC should give its response during the ongoing assembly session itself, Liangpibou asserted that not conducting the local body elections infringes on the democratic rights of the people.

Given the current circumstances, it is feasible to conduct the ADC elections in all hill districts.

However, if it is not possible to hold elections for all ADCs simultaneously, the government should take steps to conduct elections in districts where peace and stability prevail.

Ukhrul ADC former executive member N Wungreiyo, who was also present at the press conference, criticised the chief minister's statement made on the floor of the House on Friday.

The chief minister claimed that funds were being provided even if ADC elections have not been conducted.

Wungreiyo termed this statement false and misleading to the public.

He clarified that funds for urban local bodies have been provided by the 15th Central Finance Commission since 2021-22.However, the state government has not released an amount of Rs 50 crore sanctioned as the first installment for the ADC for 2020-22, and therefore, the utilization certificate has not been submitted.

Without this certificate, it is impossible to release the funds for the second installment.

Additionally, not a single penny has been released from the 4th State Finance Commission's 2020-21 funds.

Wungreiyo further stated that only two out of the three shares from the state tax, which are supposed to be sanctioned to the local bodies, have been released.

He emphasised that it is the duty of the state finance department to release these funds.

Wungreiyo also criticised the current Tribal Affairs and Hills minister, and said that the minister's presence is essentially nonexistent, as no activities have been undertaken in the hill areas due to the department being defunct.

He suggested that one of the two Naga MLAs should be assigned the portfolio of Tribal Affairs and Hills to ensure the department can effectively perform its tasks.

Comment