IT News
Imphal, Dec 31:
The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM), General Headquarters, has raised serious concerns over the recent nominations to the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST). The council submitted a representation to the Chief Minister of Manipur, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in New Delhi, and the Chief Secretary of the Manipur government, seeking immediate cancellation of Notification No. 9/45/2013-TA&Hills(Pt.III) issued on December 26, 2024. TYCM has demanded that the government invite applications from eligible tribal candidates for the positions to ensure fairness and transparency.
In their appeal, TYCM highlighted that the Tribal Affairs & Hills Department bypassed the mandated transparent selection process stipulated by the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes Act, 2014. The Act requires the nomination of members with “special knowledge in matters relating to tribal affairs,” defined as individuals with demonstrable experience, knowledge of tribal rights, customs, cultures, and active involvement in tribal social causes. TYCM argued that the absence of an open invitation for applications makes it impossible to verify candidates’ qualifications and ensures that deserving individuals are overlooked.
The TYCM had previously submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister on October 7, 2024, urging the government to uphold transparency in the nomination process for MSCST members. Despite this, TYCM claims the recent nominations reflect a lack of fairness and accountability. “Without an open notification inviting applications, the process raises concerns of nepotism and favoritism,” the council stated, adding that such practices undermine the interests and development of tribal communities.
TYCM also pointed out that other state commissions, including the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC), the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), the Manipur State Minorities Commission (MSMC), and the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR), have followed transparent selection processes by inviting applications from eligible individuals. The council emphasized that adopting a similar approach for MSCST is essential to ensure equitable participation from tribal communities.
The TYCM warned that the lack of transparency and fairness in the MSCST nomination process risks eroding the commission’s credibility and its ability to address the rights and welfare of tribal populations in the state.
