Tribal council opposes 'nomination' of MSCST members
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 31 2024: Tribal Youth Council Manipur, General Headquarters (TYCM-GHQ) has submitted a representation to the chief minister, the chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in New Delhi, and the state's chief secretary, urging cancellation of a notification announcing the nomination of two members to the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST) .

Earlier, on October 7, 2024, the TYCM submitted a memorandum to the chief minister, emphasising the importance of nominating members to the MSCST in accordance with the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes Act, 2014, ensuring due transparency and fairness.

Despite this, the Tribal Affairs & Hills Department proceeded with nominations without adhering to proper procedures, thereby undermining the principles of equity and transparency.

Consequently, the tribal population of Manipur finds the notification dated December 26, 2024 unacceptable, asserted the TYCM-GHQ in a press release.

The Act explicitly stipulates that nominees must possess "special knowledge in matters relating to tribal affairs", which includes demonstrable experience, knowledge of tribal rights, customs, and cultures, and active engagement in social causes or activities related to tribal communities.

Without an open notification inviting applications, it is impossible to ascertain whether candidates meet the qualifications or criteria, or to select those who are truly eligible, it pointed out.

The lack of an open application process raises significant concerns about how the government identified candidates possessing the requisite expertise in tribal affairs.

To ensure fairness and transparency, it is essential/mandatory to issue an open invitation for applications, along with bio-data and activity reports, providing all eligible individuals an equal opportunity to apply, the tribal body continued.

In went on to state that the absence of such a process risks fostering perceptions of favouritism or nepotism, potentially enabling the nomination of relatives, close associates, or individuals with political connections.

Such practices not only undermine public trust but also deprive deserving and qualified individuals of the opportunity to participate fairly in the selection process.

The lack of transparency and fairness in the nomination process undermines the very essence of the MSCST, and denies the tribal communities their rightful participation in shaping policies and decisions that directly affect them.

Similar commissions in the state, such as Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), Manipur State Minorities Commission (MSMC), and Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR), have consistently adopted transparent processes by inviting applications from eligible candidates, TYCM added.

Given this precedence, it is concerning that the Tribal Affairs & Hills Department has failed to adopt a similar process for the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST), it concluded.

Comment