Debate on social inequality on July 14
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 12 2011: Aimed at identifying whether discrimination based on the differences in religion or community affiliation exist in the Manipuri society, a State level debating competition will be organised by Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSE-IP), Manipur University on July 14 .

Speaking to news-persons in this connection at Manipur Press Club today, CSSE-IP Director L Tombi said inspite of cordiality between people of different ethnic groups living Manipur for ages, there had been challenges to such a relationship according to various changes in the society.

Noting that such a phenomena is a not a new development in a mixed-populated country like India, he also did not rule out existence of social discrimination in Manipur.

Stating that the Centre was established as one of the subjects in Manipur University, the Director said the debating competition is being planned with the hope to explore and understand causes of such an affliction, if any, in the Manipuri society.

Further informing that the competition will be held in the conference room of Institute of Management Studies, MU on the topic 'No pro-active social exclusion prevails in Manipur', he said establishment of CSSE-IP was sanctioned by the University Grant Commission in 2008 with the allocation of Rs 2.21 crore under the 11th Five Year plan.

Apprehending that failure to utilise the financial provision in the development of the Centre before the 12th Plan period would result in annulment of the allocation, he strongly advocated concerted effort of all concerned in the infrastructure development of the Centre.

Confiding that MA, MPhil and PhD programmes would be opened in the varsity from the next academic session, Tombi exuded confidence that opening of the programmes would facilitate proper understanding of issues related to discrimination based on religion/community and whether right of any community is being denied.

Recounting that an essay competition on the same issue was held in the recent past, he further informed that the July 14 programme would be preceded by an academic panel discussion on the said topic.

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