Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) accused the state government of deliberately neglecting tribal institutions.
Submitting a memorandum to the Chief Minister, it demanded immediate recruitment to address a severe manpower shortage across three critical departments, warning that failure to act could trigger public agitation.
The tribal population in Manipur, officially recognised as Scheduled Tribes (STs), constitutes approximately 40.9% of the state’s total population. Numbering over 1.1 million, they comprise 33 officially recognised tribes, primarily residing in the state’s hill districts and largely belonging to the Naga and Kuki-Zo groups.
TYCM strongly alleged that the state government is neglecting tribal departments and institutions, reiterating concerns over prolonged delays in recruitment.
In the memorandum, it asserted that the government lacks interest in the development of tribal communities and has no sincere intention to uplift them.
The council pointed out a stark disparity in government operations, noting that while the state has been actively conducting both fresh and pending recruitment processes in other departments amid the ongoing volatile situation, critical tribal institutions have been ignored.
It said this neglect has caused a severe shortage of manpower, delaying developmental programmes and impeding the overall progress of tribal communities.
According to TYCM, the current staffing shortages across three key bodies are as follows:
Directorate of Tribal Affairs & Hills Department: Out of a sanctioned strength of 138, only 38 staff members are in position, leaving 100 posts vacant.
Tribal Research Institute (TRI): Out of a sanctioned strength of 33, only 13 are in position, leaving 20 posts vacant.
Manipur Tribal Development Corporation Ltd. (MTDC): Out of a sanctioned strength of 108, only 40 are in position, leaving 68 posts vacant.
The TYCM further alleged that the state government’s slogan of bringing equal development to both the valley and the hills has become meaningless.
The council said it had persistently appealed to the government to fill these vacancies even before the imposition of President’s Rule, but its demands were ignored.
Reiterating its demands, the council urged the government to expedite recruitment for the vacant posts.
It also appealed to the authorities to address these grievances to prevent any further escalation of resentment or public agitation during the prevailing volatile situation in the state.