UNC decries invoking 200 point roster
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 07, 2013: A notification for recruitment in 898 posts of Chowkidar-cum-Peon on contract basis under the 6 Autonomous District Councils in the hills was issued on 17th March 2012 and it also mentioned that the 200 point roster of the GoM's reservation policy should be adhered to.

In the tribal areas there are the district councils and in the non tribal areas there are the Panchayati Raj institutions for local self governance.

There can be no recruitment of non tribals under the district councils as it is for the tribals alone, said a press release issued by the United Naga Council (UNC).

But the GoM has imposed the 200 point rooster of its reservation policy which would translate to about only 32% of the created post for tribals and the remaining chunk of 68% for non-tribals.

The district councils are not a part of a department of the GoM and for which the GoM's reservation policy cannot be imposed on them, it said while questioning whether the 200 point roster of the recruitment policy of the GoM has been applied to the panchayati raj institution in the valley and how many tribals have been accommodated therein.

It is another matter that there are more than 170 and 36 non tribal district council teachers in Ukhrul and Senapati district respectively.

The other hill districts also have their adequate share of intrusion where teacher posts under district councils have been surreptitiously cornered by non tribals.

And when the opportune moment comes, the alleged illegal non tribal appointees are transferred to the capital valley on grounds of being "utilised" there or some other pretexts.

The imposed Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council, 3rd Amendment Act, 2008 and the District Councils under it have been declared null and void by the Nagas in Manipur because the rights of tribals on land, natural resources, identity, customs & culture, history, polity, etc.

are being infringed upon by the said Act, the UNC alleged.

Moreover, the 2008 Act has no judicial, legislative, administrative and financial powers given to the District Councils.

No autonomy is given to the so called autonomous district councils.

But even constitutional safeguards for the protection and welfare of tribals are interpreted and manipulated at will and through notifications and administrative orders such as above, the benefits and opportunities which are due to the tribals are being grabbed away.

As on 31/3/2007 there should have been 25200 tribals under the employment of the GoM but there were only 15489.There is blatant discrimination in posting and placement of tribal bureaucrats and technocrats.

Tribal contractors and businessmen suffer from preferential treatment given to others.

The plethora of departments of the GoM do not function in the tribal districts on grounds of law and order but operate from Imphal valley in the environs of explosion and crimes.

Even in the temple of justice - the court and the judiciary service, the due opportunities of tribals have not been granted.

In sharp contrast to the blatant deprivation of tribals, the GoM is organising an international level extravaganza promoted as the Sangai festival as if all things are fair and just in the socially divided Manipur to showcase tribal and Meitei amity.

The communal GoM desires that tribals must suffer in stoic silence the usurpation of their due opportunities and benefits.

The tripartite dialogue process of the Government of India(GoI), GoM and the UNC on the demand for an alternative arrangement outside the GoM pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue has not resulted in toning down on the communal policies and activities of the GoM.

"In this overwhelming circumstances and situation, the Nagas and tribals must seriously work on the option that will secure our identity, dignity and honour and rights to our land and resources and political empowerment", it said.

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