TYCM highlights severe manpower shortage at Directorate of Tribal Affairs & Hills Department, TRI
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 21 2025: Among all departments under the Government of Manipur, the Directorate of Tribal Affairs & Hills Department and the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) are facing one of the most severe manpower shortages.

In a release, Tribal Youth Council Manipur- General Headquarters (TYCM-GHQ) informed that no other departments are in such a dire/deteriorated condition as these two institutions/departments.

The TYCM mentioned that the Directorate of Tribal Affairs & Hills Department is functioning with only 38 employees out of the sanctioned 138 posts, leaving 100 positions vacant.

Likewise, the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) is operating with just 13 employees against a sanctioned strength of 33, resulting in 20 vacant posts.

Stating that the detailed data has been officially obtained through an RTI reply from the concerned department, the TYCM claimed, "The remaining 38 staff of the Directorate and 13 staff of the TRI are not attending office in full strength.

Notably, some employees, particularly from the Kuki community, have been absent due to the ethnic violence outbreak in the State since May 3, 2023" .

The TYCM asserted that the severe manpower shortage has significantly weakened both the Directorate of Tribal Affairs Department and TRI, limiting their capacity to address the developmental needs of the tribal communities in Manipur.

"When these institutions, remain understaffed and under-resourced, it directly affects and delays the developmental progress for the tribal population", it added.

Alleging that the State Government has no willingness to uplift arid strengthen the Directorate of Tribal Affairs Department and TRI, the TYCM added, "Such an action or intention is deeply suppressive and reflects a direct disregard for the tribal communities of Manipur" .

The TYCM lamented that despite repeated appeals in writing to the concerned authorities and through electronic and print media, the Government has not taken any action to materialize these appeals till date.

Furthermore, the TYCM urged the State Government to immediately address the acute manpower shortage in both the Directorate of Tribal Affairs & Hills and the TRI to ensure these institutions are empowered to serve the tribal communities effectively.

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