Ukhrul, July 7: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) has submitted a memorandum to the President of India through the Governor of Manipur, urging significant amendments to the Presidential Order of June 20, 1972, which established the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) under Article 371C of the Constitution.
In the memorandum submitted on Monday, the TYCM pressed for legislative, financial, and executive powers to be conferred on the Hill Areas Committee, arguing that the current framework, limited to recommendatory powers, has proven ineffective in addressing the developmental needs of Manipur’s tribal hill communities.
“It’s been 53 years since the order was issued by then President V.V. Giri, and not a single amendment has been made since,” the Council stated, calling the order “outdated and inadequate” for present times. The TYCM contended that while other constitutional provisions and orders have evolved to meet contemporary needs, the Hill Areas Committee continues to operate within a framework that lacks the teeth to effect meaningful change.
One of the key demands in the memorandum is for the Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee to be designated as the authority responsible for tribal welfare in the state, replacing the Cabinet Minister for Tribal Affairs & Hills. Citing Article 164 of the Constitution, which mandates the appointment of a tribal welfare minister in several other states including Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, the TYCM noted that Manipur lacks any such constitutional provision and therefore requires a tailored approach.
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“The absence of real authority has left nearly 75% of the hill tribal areas with little to no visible development since the 1972 Order came into effect,” the TYCM said, pointing to the lack of infrastructure, administrative power, and staffing as major impediments.
The Tribal body also highlighted a critical administrative gap, the HAC has no dedicated secretariat or staff of its own and has been functioning solely under the leadership of its Chairman. “Under such conditions, how can the Committee be expected to effectively serve the hill tribal communities and facilitate meaningful development in the hill areas of Manipur?” the statement asked.
The TYCM argued that empowering the HAC with actual decision-making authority would allow it to independently formulate policy, draft legislation, and oversee implementation in the interest of the hill tribes. This, they believe, is essential to achieving the original intent behind the creation of the Committee.
The Tribal body while enclosed the original 1972 Presidential Order for reference appealed saying the development of the valley alone cannot be equated with the development of Manipur as a whole. “True progress means balanced growth in both the hills and the valley,” it said, calling for focused support to ensure equity and justice for Manipur’s tribal regions.
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