TYCM airs grievances of tribal to CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 13 2024: Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) has submitted a memorandum to chief minister N Biren seeking immediate attention and redressal measures on issues concerning Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST), Tribal Affairs & Hills department, and Tribal Research Institute (TRI).

The memorandum submitted on October 7 proposed better operation of the aforementioned institutions, which play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of the tribal communities in the state.

According to a statement, TYCM demanded immediate nomination of two members and appointment of a full-time member secretary for the MSCST, which since 2022 has been functioning with only its chairperson, consequently crippling the Commission's ability to fulfil its statutory responsibilities, as mandated by the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes Act, 2014.The memorandum also highlighted the need to fill vacant positions within MSCST, including those of research officer, senior legal officer, and clerical staff, along with regularisation of eight clerical staff members who have been serving the commission for over seven years without permanent employment status.

TYCM also urged the government to increase the budgetary allocation for MSCST from the current Rs 90 lakh to Rs 10 crore, with a separate fund head under the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

With regard to delay in releasing benefits under the Tribal Affairs & Hills department for the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24, the memorandum called for the immediate disbursement of pending benefits to the eligible tribal communities.

The Council further requested appointment of a dedicated director for the department, noting that the incumbent director holds multiple responsibilities, which has negatively affected the progress of the department's work.

The revitalisation of the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) was another key demand in the memorandum with TYCM stressing the importance of resuming the Tribal Cultural Festival Programme, which has not been held since 2019.In addition, TYCM called for a significant increase in the budget for the Tribal Affairs & Hills department.

Pointing out that about 90 per cent of the tribal population live in remote hill areas, the Council emphasised the urgent need for improved infrastructure, particularly road connectivity, healthcare, education, and economic development.

Enhanced funding is essential to uplift these communities and ensure their rightful place in the state s development agenda, it maintained.

TYCM urged the government to take immediate action to address these pressing issues, emphasising that the welfare of tribal communities depends on these reforms.

The Council expressed hope that its demands will be met, enabling the tribal communities to be better represented and protected within the state's governance framework.

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