Imphal, February 23: Coming out with certain facts for the knowledge of all concerned in connection with the stand of All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) to withdraw all tribal students from Manipur University by March 1, Vice Chancellor of the University has appealed to the student body as well as to all the varsity students belonging to the ST communities not to withdraw and help in upholding the academic atmosphere of the University in true and good spirit.

Addressing a press conference in this connection at the Committee Room of the University this afternoon, Vice Chancellor C Amuba pointed out that matters relating to reservation for the ST candidates in appointments had been discussed with the Manipur University Tribal Students' Union several times and the University had also taken up the issue with Union Minister Arjun Singh and with officials of Ministry of Human Resources Development.

The University has been instructed by the Ministry to follow the Government of India's reservation norms strictly and so it is bound to follow the reservation policy of the Government of India and the guidelines of the University Grants Commission in force from time to time.

The University has, therefore, provided for reservation of 15 percent for SC and 7.5 percent for the ST communities at the time of appointment for Group 'A', 'C' and 'D' posts.

This is in accordance to guidelines prescribed by the UGC.

In order to fulfil its commitment to the SC/ST communities, the VC said that the University has taken up a special recruitment drive for SC/ST.

The University has recently advertised 13 vacant positions for teaching posts of which eight are reserved or SC and five for ST.

Similarly, the University has also advertised six posts of Group 'A' officers, of which two are reserved for ST and one for SC.

As to the suggestion of ATSUM to the University to initiate action for the amendment of the Manipur University Act, 2005 so that reservation in all appointments in the University is based on the population of the State, the VC, while appreciating the concern of the student body, explained that amendment of the Act is beyond the powers and purview of the University.

While assuring that the University would always endeavour to serve the best interest of all the communities, within the framework of the rules of the Government of India, and the guidelines of the University Grants Commission, the VC appealed to the tribal student body to retract its decision in view of the efforts being made by the University to develop its infrastructure and maintain proper academic atmosphere after it was converted into a Central University in last part of 2005.

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