Lok Sabha poll : To air grievances...ADCs to launch non-cooperation movement
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 12 2014 : Members of six Autonomous District Councils of Manipur have reportedly resolved to launch a non co-operation movement against the forthcoming 16th Lok Sabha Election to express disappointment against the congress-ruled government of Manipur.

According to an ADC Coordination Committee Manipur statement issued by convenor Ngalangzar Malue and secretary Hemjathang Khongsai, a meeting was held at Council Bhawan, Chingmeirong wherein members took serious note of the state government's apathy towards the ADCs.

Members present at the meeting noting that the so-called "devolution of powers" to the ADCs is only for name sake that serves as an escape route for the state government were also of the view that it simply lacks the spirit of a local self-Government.

Members opined that non-devolution of adequate and factual powers and the government's apathy towards the ADCs are hampering implementation of District Councils Act & Rules in letter and intent.

Before District Council Election-2010 was held, the then congress-led SPF government had made public announcements on several occasions that the ADCs will be endowed with powers not less than those of the ADCs under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

But in reality, the ADCs have been treated as a small circle of beneficiaries and to some extent, a mere implementing arm of Governmental schemes.

The meeting also recalled the memorandum submitted to UPA and National Advisory Council (NAC) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on matters relating to the empowerment of the ADCs in Manipur.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, at the direction of Sonia Gandhi had sought comments of the state Government.

However, the state government remained silent on the subject, contended the Committee statement.

Seriously noting defiance by the State Government to intimation from the Ministry, the members were unanimous that under such conditions, reposing faith in the present congress ruled state government might bear no fruits.

The meeting also expressed strong disappointment against Tribal Affairs & Hills Department for issuing executive order requiring its approval to the proceedings of DPC/Screening committee on matters relating to the appointment of chowkidar-cum-peon and resolved that the government should immediately withdraw the said executive order.

Section 32(3) of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971 and Rule No.45 of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Rules, 1972 undoubtedly made the ADCs as the appointing authority.

There is no provision either in the Act or statutory rules requiring approval of the TA & Hills Department, Govt.of Manipur to the proceedings of DPC/Screening committee, explained the statement.

Further, the Chief Executive Officer, who is appointed by the Governor, is the chairman of the DPC/Selection Committee.

The said Executive order of the government has made the CEO as Appointing Authority.

The same authority functioning as Selection Committee Chairman and Appointing Authority is against the principles of natural justice, it said.

Asserting that the said Executive order is a 'deterrent' for the CEOs of the six ADCs who are answerable to the Governor, the meeting expressed strong resentment against the government's undue interference in the affairs of the ADCs instead of empowering the same body.

The meeting also expressed strong disappointment against the TA & Hills Department order in matters relating to the establishment of the Village Development Committee.

The said Office Memorandum was notified not only in violation of the District Councils Act and devolution of powers, but it has also threatened the traditional tribal system.

The meeting opined that the government cannot notify such Office Memorandum as most of the matters has already been covered by District Councils Act and subsequent devolution of powers.

The meeting resolved that the concerned authority should immediately annul the Office Memorandum.

As Members of the six ADCs preferred to stay away from the forthcoming Election in protest against government's apathy towards the ADCs, the Committee is constrained to hold that the six ADCs shall neither co-operate with the congress government nor work in favour of the congress candidate in the Election if grievances of the six ADCs are not redressed within March 22, added the joint statement.

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