IT News
Imphal, March 6
ll Tribal Rights’ Protection Forum Manipur (ATRPFM) said that the term of office of the existing ADCs end in the month of April, 2020 and the Administrator may extend the term of office only when satisfied that it is necessary in order to avoid administrative difficulty which is just a proviso. Decision of the HAC and Cabinet to extend the term of office has no basis at all, there is no reasonable ground to extend the term of office. Without any reason, Cabinet has approved the recommendation of the HAC to extend the term of office which is illegal. HAC is to implement the Act in the best interest of the tribal public and not with their own whims and fancy. The term of office of the ADC members shall be five years and shall commence from date of notification of election or nomination.
The forum said that they have submitted a representation dated 12.02.2020 to the Governor, Chief Minister, Minister (TA&Hills), Chairman, HAC and Chief Election Officer, Manipur for conduct of ADC election 2020 before the rainy season, most preferably in the month of April or May, 2020.
A statement said, “We received an intimation copy dated 26.02.2020 in the matter from Election Officer (HQ), CEO, Manipur addressed to the Secretary, State Election Commission, Manipur. However, no positive action has been taken by the authorities concerned till date. Instead of taking positive action, the Additional Chief Secretary (TA&Hills), Govt. of Manipur has conveyed to all the CEOs of ADCs on 29.02.2020 in pursuance of the approval of the State Cabinet on its meeting held on 26.09.2019 and concurrence of Finance Department (PIC) vide UNO. No. 218/2019-2020/FD(PIC) dated 21.12.2019 that the State Government has approved for filling up of 750 vacant posts @125 posts in 6 (six) ADCs, Manipur. We appeal the Government to clarify why appointments have to be made just before the election. The existing ADCs will appoint employees before election and just after the election, the appointment/recruitment may be cancelled by the new ADCs. We have a great apprehension for this as we have already experienced in the past. Is appointment for election expenditures? On what ground appointment is to be made just before the election? What is the motive of the Government? No appointment should be made before the election and the notification for election has to be issued without any further delayed, failing which we shall take up our own strongest action. The existing ADCs have been given sufficient time, i.e. 5 years to execute developmental works as mandated, however, no tangible works have been executed by them. Now, there is no point of extending their period as they have no real objective to work for the people. They already received 13th and 14th Finance but no works have been executed by them. There is no administrative compulsion to extend the period of the existing ADCs. Therefore, election has to be conducted as normal”.
All Tribal Rights’ Protection Forum Manipur appealed all concerned to withdraw the recommendation for conduct of election in the month of November and conduct the election in the month of April or May. And it is the democratic rights of the candidates to contest the election under any political party, there is no provisions under any Act to prohibit to contest for a party. Hence, there is no question of partyless election which was recommended by the HAC.
