MTSA-M Urges Chief Secretary to Address Pre-Metric Scholarship Issues

Lamka, July 22, 2014: The Manipur Tribal Student’s Association, Mumbai (MTSA-M) has submitted a memorandum to Chief Secretary P.C. Lawmkunga, urging his intervention regarding the non-issuance of the pre-metric scholarship scheme for ST students in classes IX and X.

In the memorandum, the MTSA-M requested an inquiry into the utilization of ₹8,29,70,200 released by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs under the pre-metric scholarship scheme for ST students studying in classes IX and X for the year 2012-13 (released in 2013-14). They highlighted the delay in implementing the scheme, which was initially launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MTA) on July 1, 2012. The MTSA-M pointed out that the state government kept the scheme on hold until mid-November 2013-14, despite receiving prior notifications from the MTA.

The association noted that, while the government appeared inactive, a sanction order was already available on the central MTA's official website. This order confirmed that ₹8,29,70,200 was sanctioned for the payment of the pre-metric scholarship scheme for ST students, aimed at supporting 27,112 students (12,700 hostellers and 14,412 day scholars) at a specified rate.

The MTSA-M emphasized that, despite the grant from the Government of India, the Manipur government had not issued pre-metric scholarship forms for the years 2012-13 or 2013-14, preventing eligible beneficiaries from being selected. They demanded a thorough inquiry to investigate how the funds had been utilized, urging for transparency in identifying the beneficiaries and ensuring their details are displayed on the state government's website for verification.

The president of the MTSA-M called on the Chief Secretary to assess the accountability of officials in the department, questioning their effectiveness in serving the interests of the tribal community. They expressed concern that delays and lapses in releasing scholarship information could negatively impact ST students in Manipur.

The association firmly stated that they would not remain passive observers in this matter, emphasizing the urgency for the state government to act. They expressed disappointment over the lack of advertisements for the pre-metric scholarship schemes and urged for meaningful actions to be taken against any officials found responsible for lapses.

The MTSA-M underscored the need for accountability, asserting that many ST students in classes IX and X have been deprived of their rightful benefits. They are looking forward to a positive response from the Chief Secretary and the government, assuring that they will closely monitor the situation and await further developments.

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