Upgrade TRI 4 call raised
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 26 2022:
Several tribal organisations have resolved to launch different modes of agitation if the Government doesn't take up prompt actions to upgrade Tribal Research Institute (TRI) at Chingmeirong to a full-fledged department.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, convenor of the JAC representing several tribal CSOs and student bodies, W Shinglai claimed that TRI is not functioning properly since the last three- four years and urged the Government to set things right within 15 days.
Saying that they have submitted numerous memoranda to Chief Minister N Biren Singh and the Minister and the Director concerned to resolve the issue of TRI, he claimed that the institute still doesn't have a regular Joint Director and the institute is in a comatose like situation.
Accusing the State Government of not taking the matter seriously, he further stated that TRI has failed to organise annual State level Tribal Festival for about five years.
He claimed that the officials of TRI have been 'systemically oppressing the incumbent Joint Director of the institute and prevent him from executing his duty'.
Shinglai also said that TRI failed to tap sufficient funds from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the welfare of tribal populace and 'no effort was made to increase the funds for TRI under the State Plan/Budget'.
Claiming that TRI has not taken up any steps to find out if there were any tribal groups which fought in the Indian independence movement, he claimed that TRI has also failed to create research posts.
He said and urged the State Government to upgrade TRI to a full fledged department.