Govt keen to set up State varsity
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 08, 2013:
Highlighting that establishment of a State university of Manipur would be effectively able to solve the chronic problem of many students unable to pursue higher studies in Manipur University due to the central varsity's limited intake capacity, Education Minister M Okendro has informed that Government of Manipur will soon constitute a committee to facilitate setting up of a State university.
Speaking as the chief guest at the valedictory function of Modern College, Porompat's golden jubilee celebration at the multi-purpose hall of the College today, Minister Okendro opined that more thrust should be on establishing State university instead of focusing on gaining deemed university status.
Noting that many students could not pursue higher students owing to incompatibility between the ration of college pass-outs and intake capacity of MU, he stated that setting up of another university in the State would be able to prevent deflux of students to other States.
Reiterating that a specific plan is underway to constitute a committee for further study on feasibility of setting up the proposed State University, Okendro also announced that process is on for establishing one model college in each of the districts.
Declaring that Modern College would also be one of the model colleges if the proposed move proceeds smoothly, he assured infrastructure development of the College to conform with a model college criteria.
While conveying that preparations are on for country-wide launch of Rashtriya Uchchetra Shikshya Abhiyan (RUSA) by September or october month, the Minister said implementation of the RUSA scheme would plug certain loopholes plaguing education sector in the State.
Along with conceding that UGC guidelines on recruitment of college teachers could not be fully complied with during recruitment process in the State, he nevertheless affirmed that Government of Manipur is determined to lift the standard of education by making necessary amendments.
Confiding that over 6000 suggestions with regard to improving the education sector has been received through e-mails, Okendro stated that these suggestions would be accorded importance in ringing positive changes in the education sector.
The Minister also regretted that the Government's sincere attempt to accommodate girl students of TG Higher Secondary to Ram Lal Paul School by converting the latter into a co-educational institution has been criticised from certain quarters inspite of the fact that Ram lal Paul School is the most convenient and suitable institution to facilitate over 800 girl students pursue their academic goal.
The Minister also construed that present strength of 1292 students in Modern College from the previous session's total of 963 students indicates positive development and assured that issues concerning absence of principals in colleges would be redressed within September 5. Staff inadequacies in other educational sections would also be placed before the State Cabinet, he added.
Felicitation of founder members of Modern College, presentation of awards to 1st class achievers in BA/BSc examinations 2012 and release of a college souvenir by the chief guest were the other highlight of the valedictory function which was also attended by Khurai AC MLA Dr Ng Bijoy Singh, Modern College founder principal Akham Ravichandra Singh and Modern College principal Dr K Biren Singh.