Maram Union apprises Governor on PVTG concerns

A four-member delegation of Maram Union on Friday called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Balla at Lok Bhavan, Imphal, and apprised him of the challenges confronting the Maram tribe, the state’s only Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
According to an official release, the delegation highlighted grievances relating to recognition and documentation of the Maram traditional system, preservation of monoliths and heritage sites, promotion of the Maram dialect, support for cultural festivals, and development of horticulture initiatives.
The Maram tribe, primarily residing in Senapati district, was declared a Primitive Tribal Group (PTG) in 1981 by the Government of India. Under the Centre’s flagship JanMan programme, aimed at uplifting vulnerable communities, a Rs 9 crore development package has recently been sanctioned for the tribe.
PVTGs, formerly termed PTGs, are identified as among the most socio-economically backward Scheduled Tribes, characterized by subsistence economies, geographic isolation, low literacy, and stagnant or declining populations, requiring targeted government support.
During her maiden visit to Senapati district headquarters, President Droupadi Murmu interacted with members of the Maram tribe, who credited government schemes for improving their lives. The President also commended the community for preserving cultural identity, advancing traditional agricultural practices, and making strides in education.