ADCs demand 'actual' devolution of powers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 01 2018: Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) of the State have urged the State Government to devolve powers meaningfully as per the relevant Acts and rules to the ADCs.

A memorandum signed by Kangpokpi ADC Chairman Haokholal Hangshing, Chandel ADC Chairman Lhukhosei Zou, Senapati ADC Chairman ML Markson and Churachandpur ADC Chairman Khaipao Haokip was submitted to the Chief Minister on January 29 .

It said that the Government devolved certain powers to ADCs but the devolution of power seem meaningless as no tangible powers are actually devolved.

Section 45 of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act 1971 and Rule 32 of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Rule 1972 with regard to budgetary provision to the ADCs have not been implemented yet.

Devoid of budgetary provision, planning and sustainable development at grassroots level in the hills within the parameter of ADC has been denied, the memorandum said.

Despite the provision of Section 27 (B) of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (3rd Amendment) Act 2008 which entitles salary and allowances to Members, a small sum is given in the form of honorarium, it pointed out.

The Chairmen then urged the State Government to give them salaries and allowances as per the provision of the Act and open the benefit of pension to ADC Members.

Even as the State Cabinet devolved powers to ADCs in different areas/departments way back in 2013 on paper, no action has been initiated so far, the memorandum said.

Although the State Government issued an order on November 27, 2013 for transfer of all IVRs including culverts and bridges to ADCs along with devolution of funds under the 13th Finance Commission, nothing has been done in this regard.

Though the State Government issued an order on November 28, 2013 which empowered ADCs to collect electricity bills, no action has been taken up so far.

Even though ADCs have been authorised to recommend beneficiaries to be selected under different public welfare schemes, no tangible action has been taken up till date, reads the memorandum.

The memorandum further cited a long list of devolution of power with regard to different departments against which no actual power devolution has been effected so far.

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