Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 15:
Reiterating its satnd for introduction and passing of the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Posts & Services (For SC/ST) Bill in the current session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly, the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (Atsum) has cautioned that failure to honour its demand would compel it to intensify the agitation on the issue.
Speaking to newspersons today, atsum's assistant general secretary Apao Haokip conveyed that following the Chief Minister's assurance to place the Bill in the ongoing Assembly session the proposed indefinite economic blockade on both the National Highways had been deferred for some time.
The said blockade was supposed to come into effect from mid-night of May 14.He also asserted that in case the Government retract from its commitment, future course of agitation would be discussed in a joint session of all its district/unit functionaries.
Elaborating its avarious grievances, Apao pointed out reduction of reservation for tribal students in Manipur University from 31 percent to 7.5 after upgrading it to the status of a Central university contrary to which quota for SC students had been raised from a mere 2 percent to 15.5 pc.
Another alleged administrative discrepancy of the State Government, according to the Atsum functionary, concerns irregularities in the annual induction of nine employees on contract basis in the Manipur State TB Society.
Elaborating on his contention, Apao highlighted a specific circular issued by the Member Secretary of the society regarding effecting appointment of the nine individuals from March 1 inspite of the fact that the circular/order was signed only on May 6, 2007.Pointing out other irregularities, he said the circular also mentioned of the nine individuals posted to District TB Control societies in Churachandpur, Thoubal, Senapati, Imphal East, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong, and at STDC, Lamphelpat with neither their designations mentioned nor any provisions regarding pay-scales.
The appointments also did not conform to ST Reservation norms, he added.
Meanwhile, a high level meeting is informed to have taken place under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister O ibobi Singh in his office chamber to discuss issues/demands raised by the Atsum.
Even though what transpired at the meeting could not be confirmed as yet the meeting is said to have been attended by all the Ministers of the SPF Govt, Advocate General, Chief Secretary, Vice Chancellor of MU, Commissioners and Directors of Health, Social Welfare, Higher Education, secretaries of DP and Law etc.
ATSUM had earlier declared that the indefinite economic blockade will be imposed if their demands are not met with.