TODAY -

E-Pao! Opinions - Manipur State Policy On Education Need A Change

Manipur State Policy On Education Need A Change
By: Khamchinpau Zou *



Its over 30 years now since (Kangleipak) Manipur become a full fledge state of the Indian republic with so many changes and developments taking place. A sudden shift from tribal age of 'Spear and Sword' to 'pen and paper' can never come without undergoing the natural process of human renaissance beginning at the root as an orientation for a civilized state. We are heading towards the next stage of civilization where education should be based on creation of resources through harmonious synchronization of modern technology and innovation in science, economic and political fields for a lasting social change and peaceful development.

The price for poor "Policy on Education in Manipur" is heavily paid by the younger generations having the highest number of migration of students in the entire northeast states with about 1000 students migrating to the mainland every year in search of better quality of education and employment opportunities. However, the substandard backgrounds without technical education made them unable to neither excel in their studies nor meet the job market, which very few could manage. Most of them are engaged in odd jobs that are generally below the standard of their education and rest are languishing without hopes including children of law makers and bureaucrats etc. and the situation is worsening.

The present Education policy in Manipur is obsolete, unrealistic, and communally sensitive with neither objects nor strategy without visualizing the requirement of modern standard of education. There is no plan policy for quality education and the system lean heavily on arts and social sciences stressing on memory power when science and technologies including vocational studies play an important role in this modern world. There is no control of education system and the private education institutes are rampaging at their own free will with sky rocking fees and exploiting the unemployed educated youth with paltry salaries. There are no specific eligibility criteria for recruitment in teaching post and neither includes the interest of the urban poor, the remote areas and Hills, occupations and religious sentiments of the people into consideration. Conducting annual examination during Good Friday or in the eve of Christmas or during Id or during harvesting season etc. is common.

Bifurcation of education into higher education (10th-12th standard) and University level (B.A and above) and categorization of schools into District councils, Education department and Grant-in-aid schools (plan and non-plan), School less schools, etc. has nothing to do with quality education. But a deliberate policy of poisoning the younger generation and a systematic way of suppressing the poor and children's of remote areas. It is the system that makes the department of education the most dirty and corrupt, thereby corrupting the society as well. Most of the teachers in remote areas and the hills got themselves transferred to towns like Imphal, Churachandpur, Ukhrul, etc. and enjoy the mid-day meal schemes of the students and the students are left without teachers.

Looking at the present Manipur State Policy on Education, one can only feel sad and be left with only two opinions: -

(a) Is the Govt. not at all concerned about education in the state?
(b) Is the Govt. lacking ideas and incapable of systematizing the education system and completely depending on the central Govt.? Education is both central and state subject and its policies and implementation is cast upon the state government. Especially, primary education, now a fundament right of every student, can invite legal action against the government for any laxity that may be shameful to the government.

Manipur State policy on education should be based on the power of analysis, power of synthesis, power to comprehension, power of applying knowledge irrespective of their economic background and geographical areas. Choice and excellence in education must not depend on wealth but on necessity. Syllabus and courses should be made at par with the national level so that students from Manipur will not lag behind the national standard. Final Examination and results from 12th standard and above should be held and declared at par with the national academic calendars i.e. March, April and May so that students does not suffer gap year for seeking further studies outside the state.

Keeping in view of the geographical location of the state where 75% of its area is hills with lots of differences in habitats and upbringing, the government needs to take outmost caution in its policies especially, in the field of education. The department of Education should be segmented into two broad divisions of cadre under a separate department of a cabinet ministerial rank: -
Manipur Hills Education Service (MHES) cadre
Manipur Plain Education Service (MPES) cadre

Recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staffs in the department of education should be conducted separately and candidates must specify their preference of cadre whether Hill service (MHES) or Plain service (MPES) in the prescribed application form. The selected candidates will remain within the cadre (Hill or Plain) and no transfer or posting should be allowed before at least 10 years of service within the cadre. This system will automatically check the massive transfer of teachers from the Hill areas to the plains vice versa. Minimum eligibility criteria for the post of teaching should be as follows: -

A minimum of 12th class standard for the post of teacher in the lower Primary level with a diploma in Nursery teachers training course if available.

A minimum of Graduate (BA/BSc) degree for the post of Teacher for Junior high school with preference to candidates with B.ed degree.

A Master degree in the concern subject for the post of Teacher in Secondary and Senior Secondary school (10th - 12th standard) with preference to candidates with B.Ed degree.

Maximum preference should be given to the local candidates (district and villages) for recruitment in teaching posts in the above levels of school.

For the post of teaching staff in Universities, a candidate should not be below M Phil degree and preference should be given to doctorate degree holders in the related discipline. Keeping in view of the problems of educated unemployment in the state, local candidates should be exempted from National eligibility test (NET).

Suggestions: -
The concept of grant-in-aid system of primary school and School less school teachers should be completely abolish and replaced with school on contract basis for every villages having atleast 35 houses.

No separate school should be given to villages where a government school is only 1 km away from the villages.

Teachers, who do not meet the above, mentioned eligibility for teaching should be allowed to transfer their post to their children who are eligible as a special voluntary retirement package.

Half-yearly assessment of the performance of teachers should be conducted regularly.

All private schools and educational institutions should be brought under control and the government should fix their School fees, Admission fees, Prospectus, and the salaries of teachers' etc and pay tax to the government as well.

All district headquarters must have at least one polytechnic institution (I.T.I) with one year diploma courses in typing, stenography, basic computer, welding, carpentry, Tailoring, weaving, etc.

More emphasis should be given to science-related courses and vocational studies at all level.

Transfer and posting of teachers and staffs should not depend on the mercy of the politicians and bureaucrats but only on time bound basis.

The practice of appointing part time/guest lecturers in colleges and universities should not be encouraged and if the need arise local candidates should be given preference.

One suitable month (between Feb-April) should be declared as the "All Manipur Examination Month" for all students from 10th standard to Graduation.

Maximum programmes on inter colleges and school debate, symposium, seminar and annual study tour to mainland universities should be organized.

We are the parents of tomorrow's children's! Let us plan their future rather than ruining it now. For we shall not allow our grand children to beg in their own birthplace as we know corruption and ignorance destroy the future.




* The writer is a social activist & Advocate in Delhi High Court and can be reached at [email protected]


* 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
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • 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