Awangbow calls for empowering tribal communities
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 15 2024:
The first foundation day of Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST) was marked by call for increased awareness and empowerment of tribal communities, articulated by water resources, relief and disaster management minister Awangbow Newmai.
The event, organised under the theme 'Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of the Scheduled Tribes,' took place at Hotel Classic Grande, Imphal on Saturday.
The minister, who attended the event as chief guest, stressed the importance of educating the tribal population about the constitutional provisions designed to protect their rights and promote their welfare.
The Constitution guarantees safeguards for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC), but most are unaware of these provisions.
These safeguards were put in place to ensure the growth and development of backward communities, he stated.
He noted that despite Manipur achieving statehood over 50 years ago, MSCST has been established only recently.
Among the northeastern states, Manipur has the highest percentage of tribal population, and it is unfortunate that the commission came into existence only recently, he remarked.
He emphasised the need to empower the tribal communities, particularly the students, to compete with more advanced communities.
He pointed out that ST communities in other states have started to catch up with the advanced communities, whereas those in the northeast remain behind due to a lack of awareness about their rights and provisions.
Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung Panmei highlighted both the advantages and disadvantages of being an ST.
He pointed out that ST candidates can attempt the UPSC examination until the age of 35, while the general category has only four attempts.
This sometimes lead to a sense of negligence among ST aspirants, he said, while advocating for a change in this outlook and urging the community to take full advantage of the provisions available to them.
He also called for concerted efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the state amidst the ongoing ethnic conflict that has been going on for more than a year.
The event was attended by many prominent figures including MSCST chairperson Thulgal Mathieu, member secretary and special chief secretary MH Khan, Kabui Mother's Association president Ranjita Golmei, Manipur Public Service Commission chairman SK Dev Burman, and Zeliangrong Union (Assam Manipur Nagaland) president Ajang Rongmei.
A souvenir commemorating the first founda -tion day of the MSCST was also released during the event.