The prolonged delay in holding Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections in Manipur’s hill districts has prompted a strong appeal from the Ex-ADC Members’ Forum of Manipur, which submitted a memorandum to Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Tribal Affairs & Hills, Shri Anurag Bajpai, IFS, in Imphal today.
The delegation, led by Convenor RS Ngaranchui, stressed that the absence of elected local bodies in the tribal hill areas has significantly weakened grassroots governance and slowed down development initiatives. They noted that decisions and schemes affecting rural communities are being delayed in the absence of functional ADCs.
Forum’s Key Concerns
In its representation, the Forum:
Highlighted the parallels with Panchayat elections, where the High Court of Manipur recently directed the State Government to conduct polls within six months. They urged similar urgency for ADC elections, which have been pending for years.
Warned that delays risk alienating local communities and stalling democratic participation in governance.
Requested consideration of pension schemes for ex-ADC members, citing their years of service to the people.
ACS Assures Inclusive Development
Responding to the Forum, ACS Anurag Bajpai assured that the concerns would be carefully examined. While not providing a direct timeline for ADC elections, he outlined the Tribal Affairs & Hills Department’s ongoing and planned initiatives in the hill districts.
Among the priorities highlighted were:
Education: Strengthening the network of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), with one proposed in each tribal block. Projects in Churachandpur and Chandel are already nearing completion.
Healthcare: Improving access to quality medical services in remote areas.
Connectivity: Accelerating road projects under PMGSY and developing Inter-Village Roads to enhance mobility.
Economic Growth: Promoting agriculture, horticulture, and forestry as key engines of livelihood.
Industrial Estates: New industrial hubs are planned in Kangpokpi, Senapati, Tengnoupal, Kamjong, and Pherzawl, while upcoming estates in Ukhrul and Chandel are close to inauguration.
Climate Action: Pushing ahead with Carbon Trading Projects in collaboration with village authorities, aimed at generating sustainable livelihood opportunities while advancing environmental goals.
Forum Welcomes ACS Response
The Ex-ADC Forum expressed gratitude for the ACS’s people-centric approach, noting his emphasis on accountability, transparency, and timely completion of projects. They said that while development commitments were encouraging, the government must not delay the restoration of grassroots democracy through ADC elections.
The Forum reiterated that elected councils are vital not only for implementing schemes effectively but also for building trust between hill communities and the State.
Looking Ahead
As the state government balances developmental goals with pressing administrative concerns, today’s dialogue underscores a crucial question: When will ADC elections finally be held? For many in the hill districts, the answer cannot come soon enough.