ATSUM against referring ADC Bill 2021 to select committee

While the state government is trying to refer the Hills Areas Committee recommended ADC Bill 2021 to a select committee, the All Tribal Students Union Manipur has taken a stand stating that the attempt to refer to a select committee violates the conduct of business.

Speaking to Northeast live, ATSUM General Secretary Andria Sinrwung quoted the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Order, 1972 and said, when a Bill, other than a Money Bill, affecting the Hill Areas is introduced, it should be referred to the Hill Areas Committee.

He further quoted, that it is mandatory that in the introduction of any bill the introducing member will immediately after introduction refers it only to the Hill Areas Committee for further deliberation, and only after the final vetting by the HAC, will the bill be taken up for discussion by the house.

Sinrwung said the Bill has to be introduced as per the given rules and procedures.

Earlier on July 20, the ATSUM which is the apex tribal student body of the state urged the Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee, Manipur, and its members to communicate with the State Government for tabling the HAC Recommended “Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill 2021” during the 2nd State legislative assembly.

Earlier last year, an agreement was signed by the Manipur government with the ATSUM, ANSAM, and KSO-GHQ agreeing to table the bill in the winter Assembly session of 2021, however, the bill remains to be tabled in the assembly.