TODAY -

The onus of addressing tribal issues on new Governor ?
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: January 15, 2025 -



REGARDLESS of whether or not the state government had made genuine attempts to resolve the issues faced by tribal communities of the state, the urgent appeal from the Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) to new Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, urging him to address these longstanding issues may seem a little astounding, given the succession of governors and governments that have come and gone, leaving the same grievances unresolved for years.

This raises uncomfortable questions about the efficiency of previous administrations and their genuine commitment to the welfare of tribal populations. As pointed out by the TYCM, even in the midst of the ethnic clashes and violence that have been affecting the state since May 3, 2023, the state government successfully conducted the 18th Lok Sabha General Elections from March to June 2024.

However, the state government has failed to hold elections for the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), though mandated under Section 13 of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971, which were due since 2020, resulting in a four-year delay that has denied democratic rights to the hill tribal population.

At the same time, amidst the ongoing crisis, the state government continued with recruitment and appointments across various departments. But then again, the government has neglected recruitment and development activities in key tribal institutions, including the Tribal Affairs & Hills Department, the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST), and the Tribal Research Institute (TRI).

The TYCM has termed this neglect as discriminatory and contrary to the government's stated slogan - "equal development for both the valley and the hills".

As the new Governor steps into his role, there is a collective hope for a positive shift in the treatment of tribal issues with the TYCM firmly reposing its faith in the new man at the Raj Bhavan to recognise the gravity of the pressing concerns and take swift actions to address them, including holding of the long overdue ADC elections without further delay.

The council's optimism has some points as the Governor is mandated by Article 371C of the Indian Constitution to act as the custodian of tribal rights and oversee developmental safeguards for the hill tribes.

While the powers-that-be grapple with myriad challenges, from political upheavals and social unrest to healthcare and other pressing issues in the state, on top of the ongoing communal conflict, they must not find it convenient to overlook the urgent needs of the tribal citizens.

While addressing all issues at one go would be a tough proposition, let alone achieving the goal, prioritising the most pressing concerns - especially those highlighted by the TYCM - is essential.

In this context, taking steps to conduct the ADC elections would be a significant first move by the Raj Bhavan towards restoring agency to tribal communities and affirming their democratic rights.

Such action would undoubtedly demonstrate a genuine commitment to the principle of equal development, ensuring that the voices of hill tribes are both heard and respected in the matters of governance and development.



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