Tangkhul bodies urge Govt to table new ADC Bill in Assembly
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, August 21 2021: Various apex bodies of Tangkhul community have urged the state government to fulfil the long-awaited wish and aspirations of the state's tribal population by tabling the proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill 2021 in the ongoing 13th Session of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly which commenced from Friday.

"We fervently appeal to chief minister N Biren, to ensure that this Bill is translated into an Act in the interest of the hill areas in particular and the whole of Manipur in general," said Shomi Angkang and Joshua Konghar, chairmen of Tangkhul Naga Aze Longphang (TNAL) and Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang (TNZL) in a joint statement on Saturday.

Calling CM Biren as the people's chief minister, they recalled that he was the one who initiated 'Go to Village' and 'Go to Hills' mission for the tribals.

"He won't refuse us when we need it the most," the two leaders exuded optimism, while sharing the hope and aspiration of the collective tribal communities for a new Act to safeguard their rights and ensure development in the tribal areas.

The two leaders of the Tangkhul southern and eastern apex bodies continued that they welcome the announcement made by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) chairman who categorically stated that the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 has been presented to the state government to consider and pass as an Act in the ongoing Manipur Legislative Assembly.

The Bill was unanimously adopted by HAC on August 16 and the same has been placed to the government on August 17, they said.

"The current Assembly session is scheduled till August 24, but if need be, the Assembly Session should be extended," they said, stressing on the need for passing the Bill.

They said that TNZL and TNAL after minutely studying the Bill resolved to support the Bill which aims at bringing inclusive development in Manipur so that all communities can co-exist peacefully.

"The present Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act being enforced is the Act passed in 1971 when Manipur was under Union Territory.

The Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act 1972 under Article 371 (C) was not enacted as an Act even after 50 years of its existence.

The proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 is the only and first ever Bill adopted by HAC to mitigate the disparities in development and lack of emotional integrity.

Therefore to address the problem, HAC unanimously formulated the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 on August 16," they pointed out.

According to them, the purpose of the Bill is enshrined in the Presidential order vide order No GSR 317(E) section 4(5) of June 28, 1972, to safeguard the interest of the people of the hill areas, particularly through accelerated development of those areas; and promote unity between the people of the hill areas and other areas of the state by aiming at an integrated and evenly based economic growth of those areas and augment the resources of the state as a whole.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) has appealed to the state government to accord priority to the proposed Bill, stating that the same holds the safeguard of rights and development prospect for the hill areas of the state.

The apex Tangkhul headmen's association then decried the alleged dilly-dallying tactics shown by the state government in introducing and passing the proposed Bill as an affront to the tribal communities of the state.

"Monsoon session will end on August 24, and we want the HAC Bill to be passed before the end of this session," it said.

"This will be a litmus test for tribal communities whether Manipur government is equally committed to both hill and valley districts of the state," it said, adding that in the event of failure, on the part of the government to introduce and pass the Bill as an Act, TNWL would not remain a mute spectator.

The proposed Bill seeks to give more powers to Hill Areas Committee and Autonomous District Councils specifically in the administration and management of the hill areas of the state.

Taking the present ground realities of the hill areas, the Bill felt the need to increase the constituencies of the Autonomous District Council to 31.Out of which three members would be nominated.

The Bill also seeks to have 'Hill Areas Secretariat' for managing and coordinating the working of all the ADCs; reviewing and monitoring all the projects and programmes undertaken by each ADC.

It also intends to bring 'Hill House Tax' under the purview of ADCs in addition to seeking more effective and active involvement of HAC in development and planning including budget planning and allocations for the entire hill areas of the state, among others.

Article 371 (C) of the Constitution of India had provided a separate scheme for the administration of the hill areas in the .state of Manipur through Hill Areas Committee and District Council, it added.

Comment