Minister assured free education to displaced
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 13 2023:
Along with requesting to look into the financial issues of the displaced students in pursuing further studies, Socialist Students' Union of Manipur (SSUM) reportedly met education minister Th Basantakumar urging him to provide free education to all the displaced school and college students.
The minister agreed and assured of releasing an order in this regard very soon.
Representatives of SSUM along with some of the displaced students met minister Basanta Kumar at his official residence, here, on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, SSUM president S Yaima noted that following the ethnic violence that broke out in the state on May 3 last, the student community has been facing serious problems with students staying in relief camps among the worst sufferers.
Consequent to reports of charging fees from displaced students during submission of admission forms at colleges, SSUM immediately intervened and met the education minister along with the displaced students on Wednesday, he said and added that during the meeting, the minister endorsed the proposal of SSUM for providing free education to the college as well as school students who have been displaced and are taking shelter in relief camps.
The minister also assured of issuing an order in this regard very soon.
While lauding the education minister for his concern for the students, Yaima said that the student body will continue to take up steps for mitigating the problems of the students.
He also urged the state government to reduce the form fill-up fee rate in the interest of the students during this time of the crisis.
Chanam Roshan, who is presently staying at Ithing relief camp and who also took part in the meeting with the education minister, expressed gratitude to SSUM for shouldering the responsibility to address woes of the displaced students.