FATYCM bats for tribal officer to head TA&H
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 22 2025: Federation of All Tribal Youth Clubs, Manipur (FATYCM) has submitted a memorandum to the Governor requesting immediate appointment of a tribal IAS officer as the administrative head of the Tribal Affairs and Hills (TA&H) Department, replacing the current additional chief secretary, who also holds the post of principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF).

In the memorandum addressed to the Governor and submitted on behalf of all tribal people in the state, FATYCM stated that the TA&H department, which oversees the welfare and development of the tribal population, has traditionally been manned by a tribal IAS officer.

"The position demands someone who understands tribal needs, culture, and challenges, elements that are essential for effective governance and empathetic developmental initiatives," it said.

The federation expressed concern over leadership vacuum at a time when the Autonomous District Councils have remained defunct for several years, further marginalising the tribal communities.

They alleged that the current ACS and PCCF, who is holding dual charges including secretary of TA&H, is neither available in office nor approachable even by phone.

According to the memorandum, the officer has shown a total lack of consideration for the welfare of the tribal communities and has not been effective in uplifting them.

They contended that the current PCCF is already burdened with responsibilities over several major departments, to manage the workload effectively, which has resulted in stagnation of developmental initiatives and left tribal communities deprived of benefits and welfare schemes.

FATYCM stated that appointing a tribal IAS officer to the highest post in the department would significantly improve collaboration and ensure better implementation of schemes.

They argued that a tribal officer, with experience and familiarity with the region, would be better equipped to frame sensitive policies, address community grievances and promote good governance in the hills.

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