RPI (A) National Secretary seeks ST Status for Meitei Community in Meeting with Union Minister Jual Oram

Republican Party of India (Athawale) National Secretary Maheswar Thounaojam has once again pressed for the recognition of the Meitei community as a Scheduled Tribe (ST), urging Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, to initiate necessary steps to restore the community’s constitutional status.
During a detailed meeting held at the Union Minister’s residence in New Delhi, Thounaojam submitted a compilation of comprehensive data, historical records, and policy reports supporting the long-standing demand for the inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the ST list under the Constitution of India.
“I had a productive meeting with Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram. I presented comprehensive data and reports advocating for the restoration of Meetei/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribes list,” Thounaojam said following the discussion.
He emphasized the urgency of the matter and urged the Union Minister to use the Centre’s legislative and executive powers to push the process forward without further delay.
“The Minister showed empathy towards our cause and assured us of his support. He committed to discuss the matter further with his ministry and explore viable steps toward addressing our demand,” Thounaojam added.
The demand for ST status has been a persistent call from various sections of the Meitei community, who argue that their historical and socio-cultural identity warrants constitutional recognition to safeguard their rights and heritage.