TYCM serves deadline for naming MSCST chairman
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 21 2025: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM), General Headquarters, has issued a one-month ultimatum to the state government to appoint a new chairperson for the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST) .

In a resolution adopted during its Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting on August 19, 2025, the council declared that the government must issue a public notification on the appointment by September 20, 2025 .

Should the deadline lapse without action, TYCM warned it will decide on a "concrete course of action" regarding the matter.

The post of MSCST chairperson has remained vacant since July 14, 2025, following the expiry of the previous incumbent's three-year tenure.

The council stressed that, in the absence of a chairperson, the Commission has been unable to function effectively or deliver services crucial to the tribal communities of Manipur.

The MSCST is a quasi-judicial institution established under the Manipur State Commission for the Scheduled Tribes Act, 2014.Its mandate is to monitor and formulate policy concerning the safeguards, rights, and interests of Scheduled Tribes, as enshrined in the Constitution and various laws.

The commission holds judicial powers, including the authority to take suo-motu cognizance of complaints.

The TYCM expressed serious concerns over the transparency of the appointment process.

It emphasised that the roles of chairperson and members are departmental appointments, not elected posts, and must be insulated from political influence.

The council questioned how the government could identify candidates with "special knowledge in tribal affairs" without first issuing an open invitation for applications from eligible individuals within the tribal communities.

It argued that the current practice of nomination without public advertisement raises suspicions of nepotism and favouritism, potentially leading to the appointment of unqualified individuals connected to political figures or officers.

Such practices, the TYCM contended, not only deny deserving candidates a fair opportunity but also compromise the commission s legality, integrity, and independence, ultimately harming the interests of the tribal communities it is designed to serve.

It insisted that fairness and transparency require an open invitation for applications, supported by bio-data and activity reports, to ensure equal opportunity for all eligible candidates.

On Thursday, the TYCM formally communicated its resolution to the Governor of Manipur, reiterating its demand for an open and transparent selection process.

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