Vibrant socio-political system needed in hills: Prof Lokendra
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 13 2022:
Manipur University Vice Chancellor Prof N Lokendra has stressed the need for improving the socio-political system in the hills so as to help revive the then education system of 1950 to 1970, during which many bureaucrats/officers were produced from the hill districts of the state.
A 3-day national seminar on 'Education Scenario in Manipur with Special Reference to Education in the Hill Areas' was organised under the aegis of Ministry of Tribal Affairs by Tribal Research Institute, Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills, Manipur in collaboration with Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Manipur University at the Court Hall of the varsity on.Thursday.
Speaking as chief guest of the inaugural function, Prof N Lokendro recounted that from 1950 to 1970, Ukhrul and other hill districts of the state'produced many exemplary bureaucrats/officers.
However, after the decline of socio-economic fabric in the 1980s, the education system in the hill district has changed for the worse and is now full of loopholes.
Meanwhile, in the neighbouring state of Nagaland, a community-based education system was implemented along with proper utilisation of funds and installation of requisite infrastructure.
Thus, there is need to make the socio-political system in the hill districts of Manipui1 vibrant to revive the previous education system, he stressed.
In his speech, Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills director C Arthur Worchuiyo said that the status of primary to high school system under ADCs in the hill districts is disheartening.
In addition to lacking infrastructure and private engagement of requisite teachers by locals due to shortage of teachers, 98 percent of the funds are given away as salary for the teachers.
The remaining 2 percent is not enough for taking up any initiative.
Amidst such a situation, it is difficult to carry out any work practically although it is claimed that the education system has undergone huge changes, he remarked.
The inaugural function was attended by School of Education, Manipur University Dean Prof T Inaobi Singh and Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Manipur University director Prof E Bijoykumar as guests of honour.
As part of the event, the dignitar ies also released a souvenir.