Imphal, Sept 3: A delegation of the Ex-Autonomous District Council (ADC) Members’ Forum of Manipur, led by Convenor RS Ngaranchui, met Additional Chief Secretary (Tribal Affairs and Hills) Shri Anurag Bajpai, IFS, on Tuesday and submitted a detailed memorandum expressing concerns over the prolonged delay in conducting ADC elections in the state.
The memorandum underlined the adverse impacts of the delay, pointing out that the Manipur High Court had recently directed the State Government to conduct long-pending Panchayat Elections within six months, which brought clarity to local body polls. The delegation stressed that the absence of elected local bodies in the hill areas since the expiry of the last ADC term in November 2020 has weakened grassroots governance, hindered development, and left crucial issues unresolved. They therefore urged the ACS to take immediate action for restoring democratic processes in Manipur’s hill districts.
Responding positively, Shri Bajpai assured the delegation of serious consideration of their concerns regarding the non-holding of ADC elections. He also outlined his focus areas and departmental priorities for hill districts, particularly in strengthening the education system. Emphasising that primary schools in hill areas are administered by ADCs, he said the Department is working towards establishing one Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) in each tribal block. Construction of EMRS projects sanctioned from 2018–19 onwards is being closely monitored for timely completion, with accountability fixed on MTDC and MANIDCO engineers. He informed that EMRS Riha has already been commissioned, EMRS Churachandpur is ready for commissioning, and EMRS Chandel is likely to be completed by year-end. Proposals for six new EMRS across different hill districts are being submitted to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The ACS elaborated on the aims and objectives of EMRS schools, designed to provide world-class infrastructure to tribal boys and girls, and further revealed that the Department is exploring avenues for establishing higher education institutions in the hill districts.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Shri Bajpai highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, ensure availability of medical staff in interior and border villages, and improve road connectivity under PMGSY and Inter-Village Roads (IVRs). He stressed that agriculture, horticulture, and forestry remain the backbone of Manipur’s economy and must be leveraged for growth.
As ACS in charge of Textiles, Commerce & Industry (TCI), Bajpai noted that 78% of Manipur’s geographical area is forest land, which serves as the state’s biggest resource. He underscored the need to strengthen household-level industries and micro-enterprises for generating new employment opportunities. He revealed that the Department is formulating proposals to establish Industrial Estates in uncovered districts such as Kangpokpi, Senapati, Tengnoupal, Kamjong, and Pherzawl, with Deputy Commissioners already requested to allot land. Industrial Estates at Ukhrul and Chandel are nearing inauguration and will include Common Facility Centres equipped with high-end machinery, processing units, packaging centres, and marketing outlets to connect entrepreneurs with buyers. The state is also developing MSME Technology and Tool Room Centres across the hill districts.
He further highlighted the role of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), mostly run by women Self Help Groups (SHGs), in adding value to forest produce and providing sustainable livelihood support to thousands of tribal families.
On the long-pending issue of pension for Ex-ADC members, the ACS informed the delegation that the matter is under active examination. Addressing another point raised, he revealed that the Forest Department has already initiated carbon trading projects. Several village authorities from Noney district have shown interest, and all Divisional Forest Officers have been sensitised to conduct outreach programmes with valley farmers and hill communities.
Bajpai also emphasised the importance of peace and stability in the state, noting that a peaceful regime would attract investments, boost industrial growth, and ensure economic progress. He reminded that it was the duty of every citizen, both from the hills and valley, to contribute towards this goal.
The Ex-ADC Forum expressed heartfelt gratitude to Shri Bajpai for his inclusive and people-centric administration during the last five months under President’s Rule. They appreciated the completion of long-pending works that had earlier caused delays in new project sanctions, and lauded his efforts to establish a system of transparent and accountable governance. His regular visits to hill districts and the Department’s mission of “Reaching the Unreached” were acknowledged as critical steps in advancing inclusive development.
