CM clarifies on private school remarks
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 12 2011:
Having drawn flaks from all quarters over his goof-up, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has clarified that he had never looked down upon private school teachers as unqualified and cheap and that he has no intention of discrediting their contributions.
He also admitted the goof-up stating that he could not make himself clear and elaborate on the statement made during the inaugural function of an induction training programme of the newly appointed teachers under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) as he had too many engagements that day.
Speaking as Chief Guest of the inaugural function of a community hall cum discussion session at Sagolband Thingom Leikai today, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh asserted that on the contrary, his SPF government has been giving priorities to improvement of education system, health and law and order in the state.
Along with inaugural function of the community hall, a discussion session on the flagship programmes of UPA government being taken up by SPF government was also held.
The event was organized jointly by Youth Welfare Club (YWC), Sagolband Thingom Leikai and Sagolband Development Cum Beneficiary Committee.
Ibobi said that his government is fully aware of the services and dedication of private school teachers who have been producing meritorious students despite being paid meager amount as salary.
But he could not make himself clear in his speech during the induction training programme of the newly appointed teachers under RMSA on account of too many engagement that day.
If anything was amiss, it should not be construed as looking down upon private school teachers, the Chief Minister, said, adding that he had no such intentions.
On the flagship programmes being implemented, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said that efforts are being made to make Imphal city one of the most tidy and eco-friendly cities by December.
If not accomplished by December, everything would be in place by March next year.
Pointing out that SPF government is due to complete 10 years, the Chief Minister recalled that till 2004, Manipur used to face financial difficulties.
But after UPA government came to power at the centre, the financial position of the state has improved and the SPF government has been able to pay attention to developmental activities.
It has been the priorities of the SPF government to ensure improved health and education system, and contain law and order problem.
The government has been paying attention equal development of both the hills and the valley districts because development of Imphal alone cannot be considered development of Manipur, the Chief Minister observed.
Maintaining that the government alone could not resolve all the problems afflicting the state today and the co-operation of the people is required, the Chief Minister also appealed to the people for continued support to SPF government.
President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) Gaikhangam, who presided over the function, said that with the trust of the people repose on it, the Congress party has been able to carry out developmental works both in the hills and the valley.
All these have been made possible because the people have faith on a stable government.
Minister of Works K Ranjit Singh, Minister of Tourism TN Haokip, Chairman of Planning and Development Authority (PDA) MLA Kh Loken, General Secretary of MPCC Vidyapati Senjam and President of Youth Congress Committee MLA M Prithiviraj, etc were also present and spoke at the occasion.