Imphal, August 2: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur, General Headquarters, has strongly urged the Government of Manipur to issue a public notice inviting applications from amongst the Scheduled Tribes of the state and to appoint or nominate the Chairperson of the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes based on experience and special knowledge of tribal rights and affairs, without any political influence.
The Council noted that the three-year tenure of the Chairperson has ended and that without a Chairperson, the Commission is unable to function properly and deliver its services to the tribal communities of Manipur.
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The Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes Act, 2014, enacted on March 25, 2014, aims at formulating policy matters related to the safeguards, rights, and interests of the Scheduled Tribes as enshrined in the Constitution, various laws, and government orders.
The Council emphasized that the Commission is a quasi-judicial institution, not a scheme-implementing agency or political platform. It is vested with judicial powers, including the authority to take suo-motu cognizance of complaints filed by aggrieved individuals. The post of Chairperson and Members are departmental appointments, not elected posts. If the nomination or appointment process is influenced by politicians or based on their personal preferences, the Commission will never have a qualified Chairperson and its justice delivery, legality, integrity, and independence will be compromised.
As per Section 3(2)(a) of the Act, the Chairperson shall be nominated by the State Government from among the Scheduled Tribes possessing special knowledge in matters relating to tribal affairs. The Act and its Rules explicitly state that “having special knowledge in matters relating to tribal affairs” refers to an individual possessing experience and knowledge of the legal aspects of tribal rights, customs, and social practices.
The Council questioned how the Government has identified candidates with such knowledge without conducting an open invitation process. It stated that to ensure fairness and transparency, it is essential and mandatory to issue an open call for applications, along with bio-data and activity reports, to provide all eligible individuals an opportunity to apply.
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The Council expressed concern that the practice of nominating or appointing without an open invitation raises suspicions of nepotism or favoritism, including the possibility of nominating relatives, family members, or close associates of political figures or officers. Such practices, it stated, deny deserving individuals a fair chance and violate their right to participate, ultimately harming the interests and development of the tribal communities.
The Tribal Youth Council Manipur, General Headquarters, strongly appealed to the competent authority for the earliest issuance of a notification inviting applications from eligible individuals of the Scheduled Tribes of the state for the post of Chairperson. It also strongly cautioned against any political influence or interference in the process, to ensure the appointment of a qualified Chairperson in accordance with the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes Act, 2014.
