JAC warns stir over TRI shortcomings
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 26 2022: JAC of 12 CSOs and Students' Bodies on Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Manipur & its Functioning, has warned that if the state government does not address shortcomings in the functioning of Tribal Research Institute (TRI) within 15 days they will launch agitation against the government.

The JAC comprises All Manipur Tribal Union, All Tribal Indigenous Peoples' Organisation Manipur, All Tribal Disabled Union Manipur, All Tribal Rights Protection Forum Manipur, Federation of All Tribal Youth Club Manipur, Rongmei Naga Youth Organisation, Rongmei Naga Council Manipur-Imphal Longlian, All lnpui Naga Students' Union, Rongmei Naga Council Manipur - Ntaiphai Longlian, Rongmei Naga Luphuam-Imphal Longlian, Rongmei Naga Council Manipur-Ntaiphai Longlian and Rongmei Luphuam (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) .

Addressing a press meet at Manipur Press Club on Tuesday, JAC co-convener Chingdinliu Pamei regretted that the state government has failed to look into the functioning of TRI, the only tribal research institute of the state which was established on May 31, 2007 .

The JAC has written to the chief minister on the needs of the institute, along with apprising authority concerned in this regard for past two-three years, Chingdinliu added.

Mentioning that the contractual service of the incumbent TRI joint director has not been regularised in spite of him playing a major role in the functioning of the institute, Chingdinliu demanded that the service of the present joint director must be regularised to strengthen the administration of the Institute as he is well qualified for the said post as per the recruitment rules.

The co-convener also pointed out that TRI has failed to organise the Annual State Level Tribal Festival for almost five years and it has failed to tap sufficient funds from the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the welfare of the tribals of Manipur.

The state government has also not made any efforts to ensure the grant of the said funds by the centre.

Chingdinliu also claimed that no effort was made to increase the funds for TRI under the State Plan Budget.

TRI also failed to receive funds from the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs for offering free-coaching for all levels of competitive examinations including engineering and medical entrance examinations for ST students.

It also overlooked the necessity of researching whether there are any more unsung tribal heroes besides Rani Gaidinliu who selflessly fought for Indian Independence.

TRI has also failed to offer MPhil, PhD.

Post-Doctoral and Senior Research Fellowships till date along with creating Research Posts, the co-convener alleged.

Chingdinliu maintained that in view of the aforementioned failures of the institute, it is very unfortunate that the government has taken no measures to address the issues.

Hence, if the government fails to fulfil the demands within the given deadline, the JAC will be compelled to take up intense forms of democratic protest/agitation until justice is delivered in public interest, the co-convener asserted.

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