IMPHAL, July 7: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) on Monday has submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble President of India through the Governor of Manipur urging amendments to the Presidential Order dated June 20, 1972, which constituted the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) under Article 371C of the Indian Constitution.

The TYCM has called for legislative, financial, and executive powers to be conferred upon the HAC, arguing that its limited authority has rendered it ineffective in addressing the needs of tribal populations in Manipur’s hill districts.

Highlighting that no amendment has been made to the 1972 Order in the past 53 years, TYCM described the current framework as outdated and inadequate. The TYCM also noted that while other constitutional provisions and orders have evolved, the HAC continues to operate within a narrow, recommendatory mandate that lacks binding authority or decision-making powers.

The memorandum also drew attention to the fact that nearly 75% of the state’s tribal hill areas have seen minimal developmental progress due to the limitations of the existing order. Citing Article 164 of the Constitution, which mandates a Minister in charge of tribal welfare in other states like Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand, the TYCM demanded a similar provision in Manipur. In the absence of such a constitutional position, the memorandum suggests that the Chairman of HAC be officially designated as the competent authority responsible for tribal welfare.

Further, the Council raised concerns about the HAC’s lack of independent staffing and operational resources. “Under such conditions, how can the Committee be expected to effectively serve the hill tribal communities and facilitate meaningful development in the hill areas of Manipur?,” TYCM stated.

The tribal body emphasized that the development of the valley cannot be considered complete unless there is parallel and equitable growth in the hill regions. “True development of Manipur cannot be achieved unless both hill and valley regions progress equally and in a balanced manner,” the Council asserted.