A Correspondent
KHERONI, July 23: A delegation from Karbi Anglong, led by Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Tuliram Ronghang, met Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram and Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The delegation submitted two detailed memorandums highlighting the developmental priorities for tribal and minority communities in the region
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During the meeting with Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, the delegation expressed gratitude for the sanction of ₹257 crore under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.
The funding will support 66 rural schools located in Karbi Anglong’s tribal areas, significantly enhancing access to quality education in the hilly and remote terrain of the district.
The KAAC leadership welcomed the initiative as a transformative step towards improving educational infrastructure for tribal students.
The delegation also submitted a memorandum requesting the establishment of Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in each of the 26 constituencies under the KAAC.
While four EMRS have already been sanctioned, the Council appealed for an additional 22 schools to ensure complete educational coverage for tribal learners.
Another major proposal presented during the meeting was the creation of a Tribal Multi-utility Convention Centre in Diphu to promote cultural integration, inter-tribe harmony, and social cooperation.
In a separate meeting with Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the delegation submitted a memorandum aligned with Clause 2.4 of the Tripartite Memorandum of Settlement signed on September 4, 2021.
The clause entrusts KAAC with the responsibility for the welfare and development of minority communities and indigenous faith groups in the region.
The key proposals submitted to the Ministry of Minority Affairs included recognition and support for both religious and ethnic minorities in Karbi Anglong, the establishment of multipurpose convention centres in minority-concentrated areas across all KAAC constituencies, and targeted initiatives for vulnerable ethnic communities such as the Rengma Naga, Man-Tai, Khasi sub-tribes, Garos, Kukis, and Sakacheps.
The delegation also called for entrepreneurship, horticulture, and tourism development schemes tailored to minority groups.
Among the notable proposals was a special package for the preservation and promotion of Aronbarim, the indigenous Karbi faith.
This includes the establishment of a dedicated religious and cultural centre at Langvoku to serve as a hub for preserving traditional spiritual practices.
The delegation included Members of Parliament Amarsing Tisso, Dilip Saikia, and Kamakhya Prasad Tasa; MLAs Darsing Ronghang (Howraghat), Bidya Sing Engleng (Diphu), and Rupsing Teron (Baithalangso); KAAC Executive Members Surjya Rongphar and Dr Mongve Rongpi; former MP and Ex-CEM Dr Jayanta Rongpi; and senior leader Khorsing Teron, among others.
The proposals and meetings underscore KAAC’s renewed focus on inclusive development through improved education, protection of indigenous culture, and targeted economic upliftment of both tribal and minority communities in Karbi Anglong.
