Kamalanagar, November 8, 2024: Hon’ble Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), Dg. Nirupam Chakma, who is currently on an official visit to the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), held a Review Meeting on Constitutional Safeguards for Scheduled Tribes at the CADC Rest House Conference Hall today.

The meeting was attended by including Dg. Ananta Bikash Chakma, i/c Chief Executive Member; Dg. Sundar Muni Chakma, Deputy Chairman; Dg. Molin Kumar Chakma, Adviser to the CEM; MDCs, Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary, as well as heads of various departments of the CADC.
Dg. Nirupam Chakma provided an overview of the NCST, its composition, powers, and functions. He informed the participants of the full commission’s proposed visit in January, 2025 and encouraged the CADC to submit proposals for consideration.

Speaking on behalf of CADC, Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary, apprised him some of the important issues faced by the CADC such as lack of infrastructure such as office buildings, quarters and roads. He proposed that CADC should be designated as the channelizing agency for NM&DC and NTF&DC. He also appealed for the execution of BADP projects under the revised guidelines, construction of a Chakma House in New Delhi, a special economic package from NITI Ayog for infrastructure development, reallocation of lapsed TFC funds, establishment of a Skill Development Centre under PMKVY, special consideration for recruitment of Chakma youth into Central Paramilitary Forces, and addressing issues related to the Indo-Bangla border fencing.

The Executive Secretary also emphasized on the need for financial grants to CADC under Article 275(1) of the Indian Constitution which provides for central assistance for socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes.

Earlier in the day, a meeting was held with the district administration and departmental heads under the Chawngte Sub-Division. Dg. Nirupam Chakma invited them to provide reports on the functioning and difficulties being faced by their departments. He assured to raise these issues with the appropriate authorities. Representatives from Village Councils, the Central Young Chakma Association, Chakma Mahila Samiti, and the Government Kamalanagar College Students’ Union also called on Dg. Nirupam Chakma. They submitted representations for the establishment of infrastructure such as a multipurpose hall, roads, execution of solar pumping station, and the establishment of a Women’s Commission Branch in Kamalanagar.

No.32/2024