Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 05:
Reacting to the comments of the Education Minister L Jayenta Kumar Singh with regard to allegations by a teacher, the Tangkhul Students' Union (Tankhul Katamnao Sak-long), Ukhrul contended that the teacher in question had been absenting from duty since 2002. Stating that the TKS after its preliminary investigation on the allegations has been enlightened that the press statement is baseless, unfounded and just another manifestation of the discriminatory outlook which the Union will not remain muted until the people who have defamed the hilly people are punished and taught a fitting lesson, said a release of the student body in reaction to the news item published in the July 3 edition of this daily under the headline 'Robbed teacher petitions Minister' The teacher in question N Sanatomba had alleged that after deductions by different 'power players' from his three month salary entitlements amounting to Rs 31,650 his final figure was trimmed to only Rs 11,000.Sanatomba, a matriculate Hindi teacher was posted at the Poi Junior High School, in Ukhril and reportedly approach the Education Minister with his resignation letter on the ground that he (teacher) could not bear alleged financial demands-imposed by various organisations.
Conveying strong condemnation against the Minister's assertion, TKS general secretary RS Jollyson in a statement sug�gested that the Minister needs to Work for bringing positive changes in the field of education rather than embark on character assassination.
Contending that most teachers from the valley never report to where they are posted (in hills) but continue to draw/enjoy their salaries nevertheless, the TKS pointed out that some Government schools in the hill areas are being run through financial, material and physical Contributions from the local people.
The recruitment of graduate teachers last year was supposed to give first preference to-the local candidates but contrary to the wishes of the people, majority of the recruited teachers were from the valley with most of them still enjoying their salary without attending school/classes, insisted Jollyson.
With regard to the Minister's claim that there is no shortage of teachers in the hill districts, TKS cited representation placed before the Minister by the Western Tangkhul Naga Students' Union in April this year wherein detailed information had been provided of schools and number of vacant post.
Why ask for another data when he has not done anything on that report, the Union retorted on alleged inaction by the Minister concerned to address the situation.
Accusing the Government of causing sense of service insecurity by the teachers owing to salaries being held back for months, TKS also maintained that distress of the teachers is the vital factor for the teachers constrained to find alternative source of livelihood/income.
The student body cautioned that any untoward consequences arising out of L Jayenta Kumar's comments should be the responsibility of the Govenmcnt of Manipur.