Imphal, July 7, 2025: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM), General Headquarters, has submitted a detailed memorandum to the Hon’ble President of India, through the Governor of Manipur, urging an amendment to the Presidential Order dated 20th June, 1972 concerning the Hill Areas Committee (HAC), Manipur, constituted under Article 371C of the Indian Constitution.
The memorandum calls for the conferment of legislative, financial, and executive powers to the Hill Areas Committee and the designation of the Chairman of HAC as the authority in charge of tribal welfare in the state. The TYCM also pressed for the establishment of a fully staffed HAC Secretariat.
Highlighting that no amendment has been made to the 1972 Order in the past 53 years, the TYCM argued that the existing framework has become outdated and is no longer adequate to address the needs of the tribal communities in Manipur. They noted that while other constitutional and legal instruments have evolved over time, the HAC has remained merely advisory in nature, lacking binding authority or decision-making powers.
The memorandum strongly criticized the current setup, stating that nearly 75% of the hill tribal areas in Manipur have not witnessed significant development 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 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.
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The TYCM also pointed out the lack of independent staffing for HAC, arguing that the committee’s operations have been carried out solely by its Chairman, thereby weakening its effectiveness and limiting its ability to bring about meaningful development.
“True development of Manipur cannot be achieved unless both hill and valley regions progress equally and in a balanced manner,” the memorandum stated. It emphasized the need for focused support and constitutional empowerment of the HAC to achieve justice, equality, and inclusive growth for the tribal population.
The memorandum was signed and submitted by Mr. Mono Tantanga, President of TYCM, and Mr. Robert Gonmei, General Secretary of TYCM-GHQ.
