Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Dec 6: A delegation of Manipur Councillors led by Gennei Khup Vaiphei, Convener of the Coordination Committee of Manipur Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Yaronsho Ngalung, Chairman, Autonomous District Council (ADC) Ukhrul, today held a meeting with Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh and discussed with him their demand for extension of provisions of Schedule-VI of the Indian Constitution to hill areas of Manipur (non Schedule-VI areas) which, according to them, will give more financial assistance and pave the way for a lasting solution to a number of long-standing problems of the region.
The delegation brought to the notice of the DoNER Minister that the ADCs in the State of Manipur were established over four decades ago following the passage of the Manipur Hill Areas District Councils Act, 1971, but these are still controlled by the Congress led State government which has denied them adequate empowerment.
Pertinent to mention that Schedule-VI of the Indian Constitution provides for greater financial power and direct funding of district councils from Centre. It also enables appropriate judicial and legislative powers conducive to the powers of the region and tribals. However, the Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) in para 9.109 of its Report has stated that areas under Schedule-VI in Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Assam, the areas in the hill districts of Manipur, rural areas of Nagaland and Mizoram will remain outside the ambit of the measures recommended for Panchayats and Municipalities.
Through a representation submitted to the DoNER Minister, the Manipur Councillors raised the issue of allocation of funds to ADCs of Manipur which do not fall under the Schedule-VI of the Constitution. It was also stated that in 2015-16 Rs. 1,000 Cr was released as one-time special assistance to the areas covered under Schedule-VI of the Constitution. Further, in 2016-17 budget also, provision of Rs. 1,000 Cr was made for grants to Autonomous Council areas covered under Schedule-VI and it is demanded to consider assistance also for development of the areas excluded from the consideration of the Fourteenth Finance Commission.
Dr Jitendra Singh told the delegation that the issue has been under deliberation for the last one year. He said, the DoNER Ministry will further follow it up with the Ministry of Finance as well as with Niti Aayog and the Ministries of Panchayati Raj and Tribal Affairs.
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