UKHRUL: A two-day National Seminar on “Democratic Decentralization in North East India: An Analytical Study of the Working of the Panchayat Raj Institutions and the Autonomous District Councils of Manipur” was inaugurated at Presidency College, Motbung.
The seminar is sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong, and jointly organised by the Research and Seminar Committee and IQAC of Presidency College, Motbung, in collaboration with Research and Development Cell & IQAC, Oasis College, Kangpokpi.
The inaugural programme was attended by Gautam Mukhopadhaya (IFS Retired), Professor Jangkhongam Doungel and Professor Roel P Hangshing as chief guest, guest of honour and functional president. S Kipgen, Principal of Presidency College, delivered the welcome address while Professor Kham Khan Suan Hausing from Hyderabad University delivered a keynote address.
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Speaking on the occasion, Gautam Mukhopadhaya, IFS (Retired), spoke at length on the idea of India whether India should be understood as a conventional nation-state or as a live reality shaped by diverse people and histories. He noted that the Indian Constitution seeks to accommodate diverse cultures and ethnicities with its federal character.
The former diplomat noted that statehood movements and demands for autonomy are integral to democratic decentralisation rather than threats to national integrity. Drawing comparative insights from Myanmar, he cautioned against excessive centralization, and highlighted the importance of federalism, autonomy and decentralization in multi-ethnic societies such as Northeast India.
Speaking as guest of honour, Professor Jangkhongam Doungel of Mizoram University, observed that the vision of Viksit Bharat can be realised only through genuine democratic decentralization that respects diversity and the sentiments of the people. He stressed that infrastructure-led development alone cannot ensure inclusive growth without empowering local governance institutions.
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Highlighting Panchayati Raj Institutions and Autonomous District Councils as key mechanisms of decentralized governance, he referred to the Sixth Schedule provisions that empower ADCs to protect forests and the environment. He stressed the revival of indigenous systems of natural resource management systems in promoting sustainable, grassroots-based development policies.
Presiding over the session, Professor Roel P Hangshing of NEHU, emphasized that democracy cannot be sustained without strong local governance. Referring to experiences of the Nagas and tribal communities in Meghalaya, he argued that Autonomous District Councils can play a crucial role in combating corruption.
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He remarked that the absence or weakening of ADCs itself reflects a serious governance failure and urged scholars and policymakers to critically examine decentralization models in Nagaland, Meghalaya, Assam, and Manipur to evolve more effective and context-sensitive local self governance.
The inaugural session was followed by a technical session chair by Professor D Letkhojam Haokip of Gauhati University. It witnessed a special lecture by Professor Jangkhomang Doungel on the working of autonomous district councils and the question of Sixth Schedule in Manipur. Altogether, seven other scholars and faculties presented their seminar papers on the theme related to the seminar.
The session also witnessed the release of two publications by the chief guest—Presidency College Magazine and Kuki Custom and Culture: Critical Analysis, authored by Onkholun Haokip—adding scholarly value to the academic event. The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Thathang Vaiphei, convenor of the seminar.