'Thanga Karang least developed SC areas'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 16 2025: Manipur University (MU) Centre for Study of Social Inclusion (CSSI) associate professor Dr Thiyam Bharat has stated that while the standard of living among Scheduled Caste communities in Manipur varies by location, Thanga Karang is the least developed area among them.

Professor Bharat made the statement during a one-day discussion on "Marginalised Scheduled Caste Communities in Thanga Village", organised by the CSSI and Karang Island Development Organisation (KIDO) at Karang on Monday.

Speaking as the chief guest, he informed that Scheduled Castes constitute 4 percent of Manipur's total population, and that this group, formerly referred to as "Loi", was granted Scheduled Caste status after India gained independence.

Professor Bharat stated that while the standard of living among Scheduled Caste communities in Manipur varies as per location, Thanga Karang residents rely solely on waterways for transportation, facing severe challenges during the months from September to January.

As a result, the village continues to lag behind in key areas such as education, healthcare, and overall development.

He, therefore, pointed out the need for authorities concerned to formulate a targeted policy that ensures the inclusion of all Scheduled Caste communities in the state's development process.

He further informed that the report from the discussion programme will be submitted to the UGC, and it remains to be seen what steps will be taken following its submission.

KIDO president Salam Kheda stated that Thanga Karang remains severely underdeveloped in terms of education, healthcare and transportation.

The village has only one upper primary school, one aided school and one private school.

After com pleting Class VIII, students are often deprived of further educational opportunities due to financial difficulties and the lack of reliable transport facilities.

In the healthcare sector, he noted that there is only one Primary Health Centre (PHC), which functions poorly due to inadequate infrastructure and irregular attendance by the limited medical staff.

He appealed to authorities concerned to urgently address these issues and take concrete steps to improve the living conditions of Thanga Karang's residents.

The programme was also attended by Karang Ward No 3 Thanga Part 1 Gram Panchayat member Haobijam Gourahari and KIDA president Salam Kheda and elders of Thanga Karang.

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