Imphal: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM-GHQ) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, demanding immediate action on a series of demands aimed at addressing the neglect of tribal communities in the state.
In a press release issued on November 25, the TYCM-GHQ put forth a Charter of Demands, which also included previous memoranda submitted to the CM on October 7 and November 6.
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In its letter, the TYCM demanded the nomination of two members to fill the vacancies in the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST); the appointment of a separate Member Secretary for MSCST; the regularisation of the eight Clerical Staffs of the MSCST; the recruitment of Research Officers, Senior Legal Officers and Clerical Staffs in the MSCST; to enhance the fund allotment for the MSCST from Rs 90 lakh to Rs 10 Crore; and to create a separate fund head under the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
The TYCM also demanded for the filling of vacant posts in the Directorate of Tribal Affairs and Hills Department, Manipur as well as the expedite release of pending benefits for the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24 under Tribal Affairs and Hills Department.
The TYCM other demands also included the exclusive appointment of a separate Director, the filling of vacant posts of Offices and Grade-IV Staffs in the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), and to continue the Tribal Cultural Festival Programme under the Tribal Research Institute (TRI).
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According to the TYCM, despite ongoing recruitment efforts in other government departments, crucial tribal institutions have been overlooked. The council believes that this discriminatory approach undermines the tribal communities and contradicts the government’s proclaimed slogan of “equal development for both the valley and the hills”.
The TYCM expresses frustration over the lack of positive response from the Government, regarding their Charter of Demands, despite repeated reminders and patient waiting. The Executive Council of TCYM-GHQ, in a meeting held on November 23, resolved to issue this ultimatum.
The TYCM has vowed to initiate democratic forms of agitation, if the Government fails to address and implement the Charter of Demands on or before November 29, 2024.
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