Naga body reminds Govt on defunct departments
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 18 2024:
Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) has reminded the state government on the May 7 memorandum submitted to the chief minister demanding appointment of a new minister for Tribal Affairs & Hills and Horticulture & Soil Conservation, and expediting release of pending disbursements for schemes and work programmes for the fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24 .
In a statement, MNYO informed that Tribal Affairs & Hills Department is crucial for welfare and development of tribal communities, and advancement of state's hill areas.
However, this department has been in a state of paralysis since the ethnic clashes erupted on May 3 last year.
The current minister, who belongs to the Kuki community, has been unable to fulfil his ministerial duties due to the ongoing conflict, resulting in a complete standstill in departmental operations.
MNYO's memorandum highlighted the adverse impact of the unrest situation on the tribal population, who rely heavily on the effective functioning of these departments.
The absence of the minister has led to unprecedented delay in the release of funds and implementation of various schemes and work programmes, the statement said while terming the delay as grave injustice to communities not involved in the ethnic conflict.
The statement underscored the urgency of the matter, pointing out that the development of tribal and hill areas has been severely hampered.
The department's dysfunction has left the tribal populace without access to necessary resources and benefits, further magnifying their socio-economic challenges.
The horticulture department, in particular, is vital for hill tribal horticulturists, many of whom depend on horticultural products for their livelihood and to support their children's education.
The standstill in departmental activities has left many without critical support, threatening their economic stability and well-being.
Citing the aforementioned issues, MNYO cautioned that if the government fails to respond positively and promptly to their demands, they will be compelled to take stringent actions in coordination with federating units to address the grievances of the tribal communities.
Such measures could include protests and other forms of .civil action to draw attention to the plight of the tribal populace and press for immediate governmental intervention.
MNYO emphasised the need for swift and decisive action to restore the functionality of the two departments, ensuring that the development and welfare programmes reach the intended beneficiaries without further delay.