Triple rallies seek disturbance free education
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 05 2013 : Mass rallies were held today at Imphal, Thoubal and Bishnupur under the aegis of DESAM on the common demand of keeping education sector away from any kind of disturbance.

At Imphal, the rally was flagged off from THAU Ground by Education (S) Director H Deelip Singh.

The rally participated by students, teachers and members of different schools and organisations went past Khoyathong, DM College Gate, North AOC and Khongnang Ani Karak before winding up at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium where a public meeting was held.

On account of the rally which was closely monitored by police, though peaceful, traffic in Imphal city was thrown out of gear for a considerable period of time.

Common resolutions adopted at the public meetings held at Imphal, Thoubal and Bishnupur are, "Make education a disturbance free zone", "Avoid bandh/blockade/boycott or spare education sector if there must be bandh/blockade/boycott due to compelling circumstances", "Government should refrain from making education sector an arena of political games", "No UG or armed groups should demand money, goods or quota from educational institutions or offices related to education", "hike budget allocation for education", "No officials/individuals should indulge in graft practices in matters related to education, "Clubs, Meira Paibi groups and village authorities should assume the role of monitoring schools at their respective localities" .

Triple rallies seek disturbance free education

The public meeting held at Khuman Lampak was attended as presidium members by Patriotic Writers' Forum president Prof Jodhachandra Sanasam, All Manipur Students Guardians Organisation working president N Chaoba, AMOGOCTA joint secretary Abdul Hakim Saha, CBSE monitoring cell coordinator Salam Yaima, AMACTA president Ch Rita, Government College Part-Time Lecturers Welfare Association president L Gojendro, All Manipur Elementary School Teachers' Association president JR Jatungjeng Engpu, All Manipur Recognised Private School Welfare Association secretary Laishram Joy and DESAM president Wangmayum Islauddin.

Speaking at the meeting, W Islauddin lamented that Manipur is still backward and lagging behind in the field of education sector although it has been accepted that education is the fountainhead of human resource development.

Even after DESAM had organised a similar rally for the same cause on July 5, 2008, all kinds of disturbances and impediments continued to malign the continued sector.

That was why, DESAM organised today's rally cum meeting.

While some UG cadres have been demanding money and threatening school authorities, army, paramilitary forces and police have been occupying schools thereby vitiating the whole academic atmosphere.

In addition, there have been numerous cases of inadequate physical infrastructure, shortage of teaching staff, irregularities in transfer and posting of teachers, non-payment of salaries and scholarships to teachers and students regularly etc.

Alleging that right to education is being trampled in Manipur, Islauddin urged the State Government to frame a far-sighted education policy for bringing in a progressive education system in the State.

Jodhachandra Sanasam underscored the need to delve into the principal factors responsible for many lapses and shortcomings plaguing education system in Manipur.

N Chaoba asserted that only good education can make children competent citizens.

Salam Yaima urged upon the authority concerned to implement central sponsored schemes like SSA and Mid-May Meal to its letter and spirit so that students of the State can get maximum benefits out of them.

Ch Rita exhorted that young students should not target Government jobs as the sole purpose of learning.

Rather they should focus on grooming their own character, diligence and honesty.

L Gojendro highlighted the importance of good infrastructure to enhance performance of schools.

JR Jatungjeng Engpu demanded that payment teachers' salary should not be related with MGEL.