Full Text Extracted from L.K. Advani’s 2003 Letter to Manipur CM

L. K. ADVANI

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

7 APR 2003

Dear Shri Ibobi Singh Ji,

1. The Government of India has been receiving representations for extension of the provision of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India to the six Autonomous District Councils constituted under the Manipur Hill Areas (District Councils) Act, 1971. These Councils are functioning in Chandel, Churachandpur, Sadar Hills, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul districts of Manipur.

2. Government of Manipur had recommended to the Ministry of Home Affairs on 7.4.2001 that the State Government had no objection to the extension of the Sixth Schedule provisions in the Hill Districts of Manipur with certain 'local adjustments and amendments'. The Ministry had sought details from the State Government regarding local adjustments and amendments to be made. The State Govt. had reported in April, 2002 that the matter was under active consideration of the State Cabinet and the Manipur Hill Areas Committee of the Manipur Legislative Assembly. However, details of the local adjustments and amendments to be made, while conferring Sixth Schedule status to the Councils, are yet to be received from the State Govt.

3. Reports received reveal that no election has been held to these Autonomous Councils during the last 10 years. Further, the Councils do not enjoy any legislative or judicial powers. The Councils are not able to exercise the executive and administrative powers vested in them because of many controls. Reports also indicate that even though separate fund allocation has been made in the State budget in respect of the major development departments for the hill areas of the State, most of the funds had not reached the interior villages and the beneficiaries.

4. In view of these facts, I request you to kindly look into the matter personally and ensure that recommendations of the State Government on the subject are made available to the MHA without further delay.

With regards,

Yours sincerely,

(L. K. Advani)

Shri O. Ibobi Singh,

Chief Minister,

Government of Manipur,

IMPHAL.

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