Private school bodies strike tough pose
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 29 2020:
The United Association of Recognised Schools of Manipur (UARSoM), a conglomerate of 11 private schools associations has resolved not to attend the consultative meeting called by the State Government to discuss the school fees of students and salaries of teachers tomorrow.
UARSoM, in a statement, said an emergency executive meeting of the association held today has resolved not to participate in the consultative meeting called by the Government as the latter has failed to find a solution to the 'fee and salary issue of private schools' .
The meeting today demanded the order issued by the Govt dated June 20 be revoked/reviewed by consulting with the prime stakeholders i.e, parents, teachers and school authorities.
UARSoM said it had held many meetings with Government authorities including the Education Minister, Commissioner (Edu-S) and Director (Edu-S) .
However before any agreement could be arrived at, the Commissioner (Edu-S) issued an order on June 20, creating tension between the Government and private schools.
"If the said order is not revoked/reviewed, there will be no other options left but to close down the schools as the private schools will not be able to pay the salary of the teachers," it said.
UARSoM has also set a time period of seven days to resolve the issue failing which they will launch various forms of agaitations.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, The Hill District Private Schools Association, an association of 10 hill district private schools association has also announced its decision not to attend the meeting called by the Government.
"The Government Order of June 20 pose a very real threat to the existence and survival of Hill District Schools in particular, requiring it to be absolutely withdrawn for the sake of Manipur's own citizens," it stated.
The Association in a lengthy three paged statement said that the Government has no intention to resolve the deadlock.
The decisions are biased, discriminatory and one sided.
"The private schools are only requesting financial aid for payment of teachers and staff salary and nothing more," it added.