Tribal Youth Council Manipur Urges Immediate Release of 7th Pay Arrears for ADC Employees
Imphal, March 19, 2025 – The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) has formally petitioned the Chief Secretary of Manipur, calling for the immediate disbursal of the pending 7th Pay Commission arrears (April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2023) to employees of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). The council has also urged the state government to recommend a “Special Financial Package” to the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, to support the fund-starved ADCs in Manipur’s hill districts.
The ADCs play a crucial role in the development of hill tribal communities, with the Education Department being one of the most significant sectors under their jurisdiction. The TYCM stressed that ensuring proper pay and benefits for ADC employees, particularly teachers, is vital for improving education and fostering progress in tribal areas.
Despite an earlier office memorandum issued on July 28, 2018, confirming the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission from April 1, 2019, the Manipur government later revised its stance. On December 8, 2021, citing financial constraints, the state cabinet decided to implement the pay benefits for employees of Autonomous Bodies, Local Bodies, and ADCs only from April 1, 2023, without any arrear payments.
TYCM argues that ADC employees are entitled to equal treatment under Section 53 of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Rules, 1972, which ensures parity in service conditions with state government employees. The council emphasized that the continued delay in providing rightful pay benefits violates the Right to Equality and fosters resentment among communities.
Currently, approximately 7,988 employees serve under ADCs in Manipur. TYCM acknowledges that financial constraints may have previously delayed payments, but with the imposition of President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, the council urges the Union Government to expedite the clearance of pending 7th Pay arrears.
Earlier, the matter was also brought to the attention of the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur through a separate representation. TYCM remains hopeful for a swift resolution to the long-standing issue.