TYCM draws CM's attention
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 16 2024: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister N Biren Singh today addressing critical issues concerning the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST), the Tribal Affairs & Hills Department, and the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) .

The memorandum, submitted to the Chief Minister, contained a 6-point demand urging the Government to appoint a full-time Member Secretary of the MSCST, fill vacant posts and enhance allocation of funds for the Commission.

The memorandum also urged the Government to revitalise the Tribal Research Institute, enhance Budget, induct a separate Director for the Tribal Affairs and Hills Department and release pending benefits.

Regarding the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes, the TYCM noted that the Commission has been operating with only the Chairperson since 2022 .

As per Section 3(a)(b) of the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes Act, 2014, the Commission should have one Chairperson and two Members.

The absence of the two Members has significantly impaired the functioning of the Commission, hindering its ability to fulfil its statutory responsibilities, said TYCM.

It said the Government should immediately nominate two Members and appoint a full-time Member Secretary to the Commission, as required under the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes Act, 2014 .

Moreover, it said the current Member Secretary, who also holds the post of Principal Secretary/Commissioner of the Tribal Affairs & Hills, occupies a rank and status that supersedes that of the Chairperson of the MSCST as per the Warrant of Precedence issued by the Secretariat; General Administration Department (GAD) on June 6, 2022 .

The Principal Secretary/Commissioner is ranked 26 while the Chairman/Chairperson of MSCST is ranked at serial No 27 in the said Warrant of Precedence, it added.

The dual posts--Member Secretary also holding the post of Principal Secretary/Commissioner of TA&H--undermines the administrative protocol and is causing disruptions in the functioning of the Commission.

As the Member Secretary is supposed to be of rank under the Chairperson, the current structure leads to complications.

Furthermore, the geographical distance between the offices (Manipur Secretariat, Imphal, and ADC Bhawan, Sangakpham, Imphal East) hinders efficient functioning, said the TYCM.

Further, the Government should fill vacant posts of Research Officer, Senior Legal Officer, and clerical staff to ensure smooth functioning of the Commission.

Additionally, the 8 clerical staff who have been serving with the MSCST for over seven years should be regularised, it said.

The TYCM also emphasised that the current allocation of Rs 90 lakh for the MSCST is insufficient.

It said the Government should increase the fund to Rs 10 crore and create a separate fund head under the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to enable the Commission to effectively carry out its mandate, protect and promote the rights of Scheduled Tribes.

Regarding the Tribal Affairs and Hills Department, the TYCM highlighted that release of the benefits of the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24 has been delayed.

Additionally, it said a dedicated Director for the Department should be inducted to enhance administrative efficiency.

The current Director is holding multiple responsibilities affecting the Department's progress, it claimed.

"With approximately 90% of the tribal population residing in remote hill areas," the TYCM said that the Government should enhance the funds/Budget for the Tribal Affairs & Hills Department.

This is essential for improving connectivity, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, it added.

On issues concerning the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), the TYCM stressed the importance of revitalising the institute and resuming the Tribal Cultural Festival Programme, which has not been conducted since 2019 .

The TRI plays a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage of Manipur's tribal communities.

The institute should be revitalised and its funds should be increased to support research, cultural preservation, and tribal development programmes, said the TYCM.

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