2-day National seminar on Democratic Decentralisation in NE India inaugurated at Presidency College
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, December 18 2025: Presidency College, Motbung, in collaboration with Oasis College, Kangpokpi, today commenced a two-day NEC-sponsored National Seminar on "Democratic Decentralization in Northeast India: An Analytical Study of the Working of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Autonomous District Councils in Manipur".

The seminar, hosted at the Seminar Hall of Presidency College, brought together eminent scholars, administrators and researchers from across the Northeast to deliberate on grassroots governance, autonomy and democratic institutions.

The inaugural session was graced by Gautam Mukhopadhaya, IFS (Retd.) as chief guest.

Prof Roel Hangshing, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).

Shillong, presided as the functional president, while Prof J Doungel, Dept of Political Science, Mizoram University attended as guest of honour.

During the inaugural event of the seminar, the Presidency College, Motbung Magazine 2025 and Kukite Chondan le Khandan Kholgilna (Kuki Customs and Culture: A Critical Analysis) by Dr Onkholun Haokip were also released.

The programme featured a series of intensive technical sessions spread over two days, with chairpersons and special lecturers from NEHU, Mizoram University, Nagaland University, Gauhati University and DM University, Manipur.

Scholarly papers addressed critical themes such as the functioning of Autonomous District Councils under the Sixth Schedule, Panchayati Raj Institutions, political exclusion, ethnic identity, women's empowerment, reservation policies, conflict resolution, governance history and the impact of India's Act East Policy in Manipur and the wider Northeast.

Notable presentations examined issues ranging from NRC in Northeast India, tribal women's organisations and humanitarian responses during crises, to indigenous conceptions of time, youth civic engagement, and structural reconciliation for sustainable peace in Manipur.

The online technical session also witnessed participation from renowned academics outside the state, adding national depth to the deliberations.

The seminar will conclude on December 19 with a valedictory session, followed by the distribution of certificates, concluding remarks and a vote of thanks.

A cultural programme at Oasis College, Kangpokpi, scheduled for the evening, will mark the closing of the two-day academic event.

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