TODAY -



E-Pao! Feature - Tribal education in Manipur

Tribal Education in Manipur

By: Ngamkhohao Haokip *



Every social groups have their own interest to bellows and claims for, even sometimes counter claims for social fair dealing and educational rights by the people, and therefore our generation can rightly be called as claim-generation for a simple reason that every individuals, groups, and tribes or communities, have several claims to make. Claims and assertion by and for particular social groups or by all such social groups are indeed encouraging and they are politically a part of meaningful awakening in a country like ours that is the largest and may be, sometime in the near future, the greatest developed democratic country.

It is fundamental in governance of the country and is the duty of the state to direct its policy in such a manner as to make effective provision for securing the right to education for children up to the age of 14; and to promote educational interest of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe. The Constitution's Eighty Sixth Amendment Act 2002 has brought free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years into the realm of fundamental rights under a new article- Article 21 A: 'Right to Education'. This is a benchmark strive of India to bringing up its tenure citizen who can able to read and write.

Moreover the fundamental rights that relates to the education of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes that can be read with the directive principles of state policy mentioned above is also Article 30 (1), which envisages that minority section of the citizens can conserve their... 'language or script'. Clause (1) of Art 30 also implies that the state has the power to determine the medium of instruction if such power does not infringe the right of a minority community to impart instruction in their own language. The most important insertion in the records of our constitution in this subject matter is that of article 46.

It states: "The State shall promote, with 'special care', the education and economic interest of the weaker section of the people, and, in particular of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, and shall protect them from social injustices and all form of social exploitation." It is glaringly comprehensible that Articles 330, 332, 335, 338 to 342 and the entire Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution deal with special provisions for implementation of the objectives set forth in Article 46.

If the Union Government in the Centre and the State Government are serious to solve the current socio-economic and political problems of most of the tribes in Manipur, they could have translated these provisions into action in letter and spirit. More important is the fact that it is never too late to start at this earnest opportunity. The State Government of Manipur has taken up a few commendable steps to recuperating education of the tribes of our State.

Nevertheless, how much such rights, provisions and directives contain in the Constitution of India for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes have been concretised in Manipur is held in reserve for anyone's computation. But the Government also ought to see into the future social feasibility and lasting good while taking not only such decisions carrying the translations of rights so claimed but also while fulfilling the aspirations of the people. Social justice and education can be a good other half and companion as long as it's translated significance are meant for a common importance and lasting social synchronization.

The education system in Manipur with its entailing fact like the introduction of vernaculars subjects of almost all the tribes and communities is hard to think of as hard-earned achievements. This introduction of vernacular subjects in schools of the State is purely in fulfilment of the 'Three-Language Formula' following the expressed view of the Secondary Education commission in 1952-53 and as devised by the Central Advisory Board of Education in 1956 and again as subsequently modified by the Kothari Education Commission.

This 'Three-language-Formula' is only the outcome of the apparently imposition of Hindi language as the national language. The southern States have no objection in Hindi being the National language but opposed tooth and nail on the imposition of Hindi learning. Thus came the three-language formula to solve language problem in independent India. Thus, this introduction of three-language formula, especially in the context of Manipur, has nothing to accomplish in the development of tribal dialects and cultures.

As long as it does not cater holistically to an approach of formulating and creativeness of tribal dialects to suit the needs in bringing about changes in the retention and understanding aptitude of the tribal learners by way of introducing novel approaches and methods, no much remarkable achievement would be seen in the education system of the tribes. For example, the Government can rather bolster tribal scholars through an institutionalised system to work in research and production of books in our mother tongues that are badly needed like, to name a few, definitional dictionaries and terminologies in different disciplines written in tribal dialects in order to equip the learners with better understanding of subjects like mathematics, sciences etc.

Without much hectic social and political bargaining, such a department or an institute can be magically put in place provided our State Government is serious about solving socio-political problems, including education of the tribal.

In view of the rich ethnic cultural heritage and diversity of languages in the northeast, special pac-kages of grant under Non Lapsable Central pool of resources have been sanctioned year after year. Nevertheless, sadly, a little of these resources are actually spent for the advantage of tribes' education backwardness.

In the present standard of learning of mother tongue, I find a little good quality if the Government's concern is to somehow change the perceptive attitudes of these tribes on the subjects of various disciplines. There is no span of knowledge for improving the educational backwardness of them in such endeavour.

Again, putting the present trend and pattern of such introduction in to reflection, it has become something like an old story that goes into a hoary trail. It is too far yet to gauge it as a stroke to bridge the gap of educational backwardness of the tribes with that of another section of the society. If we subscribe that using mother tongue is the best medium of instruction; and as text books by considering it and at the same time it is the best means of imparting quality education, something further steps need to be taken.

We are talking about quality education through process of one's mother tongue.

Then how much quality education is expected of our present trend of importance given to inferior educational group of people? The State is, to a greater extend, responsible for changing the old life pattern into modernization of the so-called tribal. In and through those simple importance the government is giving attention to this group of people, there could hardly be any fulfilment of objectives of education like - Increasing productivity; Social and National integration; Accelerating the process of modernization, and lastly, Developing social, moral and spiritual values. In those tribal subjects of today in Manipur, there might be just a little tinge of realization of only the last objective in doubtful calculation.

We need to understand the rational as to why there is tribal reservation in employment and educational institutions. It is believed that this came about firstly because tribals lack the perceptive capability of things taught. By their long absence in the domination of modernization and development, the minds have become dormant thereby causing in them a dominant retardation of intelligence in their understanding of things there, which are beyond their vision. In this situation, they could not go along with the people who had seen development earlier than the so-called tribal had.

Secondly, both the State and Union Government do not really want to give to the tribes in India, in general, and those of Manipur in particular, the knowledge required to catching fish save for providing us only one-fourth of our day to day need. Is introduction of tribal dialects in schools the beginning of such changes the Government wants to effect in the educational system of the tribes? If it is so, we wish it went well. If not, tribal problems in economic, social and political shall continue to alloy with problems of all on the whole that will be costly in terms of their solutions.

However, another questionable thing is kept suspending in the air. After more than fifty years of freedom from repression, the Government is putting a section of that freed people in dungeon without letting them see the light of the day. Simply knowing that the education of its citizens is one of the yardsticks to measure the development of a country and thereby enacting a numbers of laws to that effect will help the educationally backward tribes a little unless accompanied by actions in the right perspective?

How long India chooses to remain in the back stage of world standard. Also to put very straight, the State as well as the Union Government have done nothing-commendable service to the tribal, especially, of Manipur as far as their educational backwardness is concerned. The tribal research wing Department of tribal development can be made use of in the contour opined here. It shall be a very good thing to upgrade the Tribal Research Wing of Tribal Development Department of Manipur into a fully functional Tribal Research Institute/Institute of Tribal language. Most of our sister States in north east have moved ahead of our state in this matter.

Manipur being a unique mixture of tribes and languages shall be befitting place to have an exclusive social and political approach in solving its varied interest.

Unless an institute of learning and research that should specifically indenture with the socio-economic and political problems of them is established, it shall be a blunt mistake giving way to persistency of problems. As already pointed out before, many educated tribal youths, who are frustrated and hopeless due to absence of employment opportunities, can be given not only meaningful employment but also productive work in such institute.

The institute shall be a research institute engaging in works that are to produce educational books in tribal dialects. Such tribal institute should also be entrusted to find significant ways of augmenting the competency of tribal learners to open the cosset of their lack of knowledge and thus leap up from it into the world of development and edifying freedom.

Why an educational endeavour with little prospect in terms of its achievability in the common competitive world should be pursued and precious time and husbanded exchequer should be diminished, it is not because of the fact that such a venture should be kept in abeyance but it is rather because it fails to address the mainstay of the required.

Parents, educationists or academicians and alike institutions have been working and discoursing since the later part of the 20th century in India on the paramount importance of choosing the right streams or subject for students of the present generation that could be readily suitable in the present cutthroat world or novel level of education credence.

Be that as it may, our mother-tongue-instruction and textbooks are thus far unable to afford us any of our educational objective. So, we are emphasizing on the point of what fruitful result our first language textbooks that are introduced in schools of Manipur can equip us with. In the competitive sphere as well as in our struggle to survive in the changing economic structure we are neither enlighten nor given the expertise by our mother tongue text books. It is not about being critical of the general significance of First languages-tribal textbooks.

Some of the first tribal dialects introduced by the State Government in school curriculum and syllabus in the 1950s were Thadou, Tangkhul, Paite, Hmar and Mao. These dialects were studied initially only up to class V. In later stages, these subjects were again introduced into class IX and X under Board of Secondary Education, Manipur. Some of them earned 100 marks while some carried only 50 marks, depending on the requisite standard and norms expected of each textbook. Since then, all other tribes in one way or the other have been trying to have the same social and educational privileges.

Such tribes who are still on the limit of justice may be politically, and more importantly, socially, feeling neglected and that they could be thus on the trot to grasp the opportunity. Very recently, the state government accorded new recognition to some tribal dialects and that are indeed a welcome state. Moreover, some have earned a niche in the University. In an order dated 22nd March 1977, the education department notified that the medium of instruction in primary schools having 90% of pupils on its rolls belonging to any of the tribes Viz. Tangkhul, Thadou, Paite, Hmar, and Lushei, within the State of Manipur shall be the respective tribal dialects with effect from the current academic session, i.e. 1977.

Undoubtedly, there must be certain such norm and guidelines of the Board of Secondary Education under which tribal dialects should be taught in recognised schools of Manipur, especially in Classes IX & X. In case of the medium of instruction being that of the dialect of the 90% constituent, it is vividly understood that the interest and rights of the remaining 10% has to be sacrificed at the altar of the larger interest of the majority. On the other hand, this 10% constituent either has to go with the majority or opts out of that social class-group under what is called compelling situation. It is here wherein experts, Government agencies, and policy makers should empty m their wisdom and resonance so that education and justice is not a cause of its own destruction.

Secondly, our young learners always have the inclination to think that studying the books of their own dialect, especially in Class IX & X as of now, is something out of choice. They are not certainly aware of the fact that offering such textbooks as the first language subject is neither under compulsion or of good prospect as far as their future career is concern. They would basically opted it simply on the ground that it is scoring that can fetch them high marks to pass out in good division.

For a time, schools do also have the tendency to arrange a particular dialect-text book to be offered by its students in devoid of rooms for choice and change. The logic follows in such situation is the democratic principle of 'majority' and '90%'. Under such prevailing situation, schools and teachers have easier-said- than-done time. There are schools where many and different tribes studied together. In such school, it is an annoyance for the school authorities to arrange teachers required to teach all the dialect subjects.

Moreover, should only a particular dialect-subject be arranged, would not it be a breech of rights of the rest of the tribal students studying in that school? The alternative one may move forwards in this circumstance is to make the rest of the students offer Additional English and Alternative English, as is in the present practice. Then the students still have the rights to demand for the introduction of such First Language-tribal dialects that may undoubtedly override the standing rules and regulations of our schools.

In such ambiguous situation, another thrilling fact that is undeniable in the end compounded the matter. Partition will be emerging, predominantly in primary and lower secondary educational institutions on lines of tribes and communities which shall be the counter-productive educational fruition effecting not only our education system but also education itself as a means of spreading social harmony.

Moreover, the meaning of social harmony and national integration as a cherish goal of our education will be slowly but surely fading out. Out of love and attachment to one's dialect/language, seeking admission in school that offers subjects of their choice becomes very important.

Prof. Humayun Kabir has defined Education as a "dynamic process, which in its totality changes with the changing situations and developing circumstances."


* Ngamkhohao Haokip wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on June 09th, 2006



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.


LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • SPONSORED ADS