State on the path of self-reliance, says Edn Minister
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 28 2015 : The Government's initiative to make Manipur self-reliant at least in education sector is being steadily translated into action, claimed Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro at the inaugural function of a Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), constructed anew at Mayang Imphal Konchak Heigumyangbi.

Apart from M Okendro, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, Education (S) Secretary H Dilip and Mayang Imphal Municipal Council Councillor W Tomba were seated on the dais as presidium members.

Speaking at the occasion, Okendro exuded that Manipur would be totally self-reliant in education in the next couple of years.

The newly inaugurated KGBV would provide free formal education, food as well as accommodation to girl students who are either orphans or belong to underprivileged families or BPL families.

The State has nine residential schools and 11 KGBVs under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

Okendro and Ratankumar inaugurating the KGBV

The Union Government has been planning to add Class IX to all KGBVs which at present have classes VI to VIII .

Moreover 323 elementary schools have been upgraded to secondary schools under SSA, RUSA and RMSA.

Under a new initiative of the State Government, 149 teachers who would be posted at Jiribam have been appointed from amongst local people of the sub-division.

The same policy would be applied in the recruitment of 285 college teachers, Okendro stated.

He then appealed to all teachers of the State to uphold the dignity and ethics of being a teacher.

Okendro also appealed to all teachers, wardens and officials of the newly inaugurated KGBV to take utmost care of all students with parental love and guide them on the right path.

Dr Kh Ratankumar underscored the importance of instilling good behaviour and discipline among all students.

H Dilip said that they encountered many difficulties starting from selection of appropriate sites even though there are plans to construct more schools in the State under the sponsorship of the Government of India.

Commenting on the report that a minor boy was subjected to severe physical punishment at the boarding home of Ima Medhapati Public School, Okendro confided that he has been instructed by the Chief Minister to investigate the matter and punish the guilty according to law.

Okendro said that the State Government and his department would not remain silent to the distasteful trend of setting up private schools as business enterprises with the sole objective of minting money.

The department would soon conduct a survey and necessary actions would be initiated if any school is found lacking basic infrastructure.

Befitting actions would be taken up against all schools where students are ill-treated irrespective of whether they are Government schools or aided schools or private schools.

It is a matter of serious concern that around 2000 students have not been issued admit cards for appearing in Class X and Class XII examination of CBSE.

An FIR has been registered in connection with this fiasco and a committee has also been constituted to fix accountability.