Teach the society : Education Minister to teachers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 17 2015: Asserting that the State Government has turned its attention towards developing aided colleges in the State, Education Minister M Okendra today appealed to the teaching community to guide the society.

Okendra added that the Government is aware of the problems being faced by aided colleges.

Speaking at the inauguration function of the indoor stadium of South East Manipur College at Komlathabi in Chandel district today, the Minister noted that aided colleges have been helping out the students in pursuing their higher education.

He however admitted that a lot still needs to be done for the teaching and non-teaching staff of such colleges.

The Government could not extend the desired assistance due to lack of fund, said the Minister but added that now the State Government has taken a firm stand to assist the aided colleges.

Replying to points mentioned in the memorandum submitted by the teachers of the college, Okendro said that the Government has presently no plans to absorb the 12 aided colleges in Manipur and urged the colleges not to appoint fresh staff.

The Chief Minister had set his eyes on improving the conditions of aided colleges, said the Education Minister and added that it is in line with this that the budget for higher education has been increased.

Turning his attention to the teachers on strike, the Education Minister urged them to resume normal duty to help the future pillars of society.

Throwing a spanner to the education pursuit of the young students is not the right step, he added.

Tengnoupal AC MLA DK Korungthang who presided over the function in his address said that South East Manipur College was set up in 1981.However in the long years of its existence, the college has not received much assistance from the Government.

This however does not mean that students should go on the rampage and wreak havoc like burning the properties of the college.

Teachers too should not work solely for their pay and salaries, said Korungthang and urged them not to forget that they play a big role in moulding the future of society.

The MLA acknowledged the efforts put in by the Education Minister as well as the Commissioner of Education P Vaiphei.

Addressing the gathering, P Vaiphei said that to improve the standard of aided colleges, a high level committee has been formed to look after their functioning.

As per the recommendation of the committee, the Government has decided to increase the retirement age of the teachers to 65.The situation will be much better once the other recommendations are implemented, he added.

Vaiphei observed that since the UGC directly releases the fund for the aided colleges, some of the Principals have turned into contractors.

This has thrown a spanner in the administrative work of the colleges, he observed.

To put a stop to all such unwanted developments, a high level committee under the chairmanship of the Education Minister has been formed, he informed the gathering and appealed for the cooperation of all concerned to improve the standard of education.

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