Higher Education, a major problem in Jiribam
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Romeo Moirangthem
Jiribam, June 16 2012:
Lack of opportunities and institutes for higher studies after matric exam has created a major problem in pursuing higher studies for students in Jiribam Sub Division of Imphal East District.
At present there is only one Higher Secondary school and one Aided College where students can pursue further study after matric examination.
Lack of educational institutions for higher studies is giving a direct blow to the poor students of the sub division who could not be sent to Imphal or Silchar for further studies by their parents.
This has forced many poor students to stop pursuing studies after class X .
It may be mentioned that Principal of the lone Higher Secondary School of Jiribam S Maniton was honoured with the Best Teacher Award by the state government last year for producing a number of good students from his school.
However, the school is facing acute shortage of teachers and lecturers over the last many years.
With just a few regular lecturers; the school being run by contract staffs and part-time lecturers.
Most of the contract staffs and part-time lecturers have not got their salaries since last 2 years.
In such situation, the sustainability of the school has become a big question in the minds of the people of Jiribam.
Despite shortage of teaching staff, the school has been taking admissions for 100 students in the science stream as against the actual capacity of 60 seats taking into consideration of large number of students seeking admission.
If the government posts more teachers and upgrades the infrastructures, the school would be can also admit more poor students who are normally forced to give up higher studies due to limited seats in the lone school and inability to go to Imphal or Silchar for their studies.
"If the Education Minister sees the situation in the sub-division and assures of taking unlimited admission and development of required infrastructures as well as manpower, education would prosper in Jiribam", is one common refrain that one may hear from the mouth of the people in Jiribam sub-division.