IMPHAL, Dec 13: The Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) has appealed to state and central authorities to ensure transparency and fairness in ongoing recruitment and promotional processes across various departments. The organisation emphasized the importance of adhering to the 100-point roster system, which includes reservation quotas such as the 33% allocation for tribal communities.

While acknowledging the government’s efforts to address unemployment among educated youths in Manipur, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022) and the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei/Meetei and Chin-Kuki-Zo communities since May 3, 2023, the MNYO raised concerns over alleged irregularities in recruitment practices.

The organisation criticized recruitment processes that bypass established guidelines and favor contractual, casual, or outsourced appointments over regular recruitment methods. It alleged instances of “proxy recruitment,” where vacancies in state and central departments, including institutions like Manipur University, the National Institute of Technology, and the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, are being filled through unofficial channels without proper advertisements or adherence to employment exchange norms.

The MNYO warned that such practices not only undermine justice but also risk increasing unrest among tribal communities. The organisation pointed out the growing tribal population in Manipur, now exceeding 40% of the state’s demographic, and accused authorities of deliberately delaying the declaration of vacant posts to manipulate recruitment outcomes, disadvantaging tribal and backward-class candidates.

In its statement, the MNYO urged both the state and central governments to halt recruitment processes that do not comply with established norms and conduct a thorough review of discrepancies. They called for the strict implementation of the 100-point roster system in all recruitment drives, admissions, and promotions across state and central departments, including universities and specialized institutions.

The MNYO warned of intensified democratic agitations if these concerns are not addressed, underscoring its commitment to advocating for the rights of tribal communities and ensuring equitable opportunities for all.