IT News
Imphal, April 3:
The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM), General Headquarters, has submitted a representation to the Special Secretary/Principal Secretary of the Tribal Affairs & Hills Department, Government of Manipur, urging the immediate cancellation of tenders and work orders for civil works up to Rs. 20 lakh. The council has also demanded that such works be awarded to Village Development Committees (VDCs) in accordance with the Office Memorandum dated March 19, 2020, and that the deposited Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) be refunded to the concerned contractors.
The Tribal Affairs & Hills Department had issued an Office Memorandum on March 19, 2020, following the approval of the State Cabinet on March 3, 2020, as per Manipur Gazette No. 145 dated September 8, 2020. This memorandum clearly states that tenders shall not be issued for civil works up to Rs. 20 lakh and that such projects should be awarded and executed by Village Beneficiary Committees (VBCs). However, recent actions by the department have disregarded this directive, leading to concerns over the violation of government policies.
TYCM has strongly opposed the department’s decision, asserting that it undermines the rights of the Village Beneficiary Committees (VBCs) and goes against the government’s own directives. The council has criticized the move, stating that it creates unnecessary hindrances and deprives the rightful beneficiaries of their entitlements. TYCM emphasized that the government is duty-bound to implement and enforce its own orders, acts, and rules without deviation.
The council also pointed out that a State Cabinet decision holds the highest executive authority within the state government, as enshrined in the Constitution of India. Any attempt by a department to alter or override a Cabinet decision without seeking fresh approval from the State Cabinet constitutes an overreach of authority and could result in a constitutional breakdown. TYCM has urged the concerned department to take immediate corrective measures to uphold transparency, fairness, and adherence to established policies, ensuring that government directives are followed in letter and spirit.
