AMTU places four point memorandum to bring unity in state

IMPHAL, June 16 (Newmai News Network): In order to bring peace and tranquility in Manipur, the All Manipur Tribals Union (AMTU) has suggested to the minister of Tribal Development and Hills, government of Manipur with four points in the form of a memorandum submitted to the minister recently.

"It is implored that in order to bridge the gap in the socio-economic development of Manipur tribals and to pluck the loopholes in implementation of tribal sub plan cetain action plans are suggested," the AMTU said in the memorandum submitted by its general secretary Romeo Bungdon, secretary of public affairs R Wilson Gangmei.

One suggestion has been that a separate account for tribal sub plan be opened and its funds be earmarked as it is done in Sikkim state government.

The second one is that the tribal Development department be exclusively made the nodal agency for tribal sub plan and a certain percentage of the fund be sanctioned under job card system similar to MGNREGS to enable to reach the target common tribal people and bigger chunk of the funds be emphasised on agriculture (with fencing components to facilitate round the year cultivation), horticulture and cattle rearing as these are the sole socio-economic means for the Manipur tribals and also similar size of fund for various education sectors.

Another suggestion put before the concerned minister is that the tribal sub plan be made non divertible and ombudsmen be appointed to regulate the transparency of its fund execution and implementation.

It lastly suggested that the directorate office of Tribal Development be provided the post of chief engineer similar to those of Manipur Development Society and Manipur Police Housing Co-operation since the Tribal Development department is vast.

[Courtesy: Kangla News, June 16, 2012]