Stem the rot, stop the blame
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: September 07, 2024 -

LOOKING at the message shared by Education minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar on the occasion of Teachers' Day, which was celebrated nation-wide on September 5 in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was not only the first vice president and second president of India but also a distinguished scholar and teacher; we can't help but reflect on one of his recent statements that had evoked strong reaction from the Joint Administrative Council (JAC) of All Manipur Trade Unions' Council (AMTUC) and All Manipur Government Employees' Organisation (AMGEO).

In his message, which was published in the form of an advertisement on the front pages of local newspapers, minister Basanta extended his "heartfelt gratitude and appreciation" to teachers for their unwavering commitment to shaping the young minds and acknowledged that the dedication, passion and tireless efforts of the teachers in imparting knowledge to the students have a profound impact on the society as a whole.

The minister also exhorted all by saying, "As we celebrate this day, let us reflect on the invaluable role teachers play in nurturing future leaders, thinkers, and change-makers".

In other words, the message delivered by the education minister on the occasion of celebrating Teachers' Day is all about praising the teachers for their selfless service which has inspired generations after generations and contributed significantly to the growth of our nation.

Wishing the teaching community to continue to inspire, educate and empower our students with wisdom, compassion and enthusiasm, the education minister concluded his message with the affirmation that the role of teacher as educator is pivotal and "I am confident that your influence will leave a lasting legacy".

We say that this is one of the most beautiful and inspiring messages ever delivered on the occasion of Teachers' Day celebration by any person holding the post of education minister in Manipur so far.

However, it is sad to say that this beautiful and inspiring message delivered by the education minister belies what is actually happening on the ground.

We would not be going into the details of ignoring the UGC norms in recruiting part-time teachers by the state government.

But the fact remains that apart from lack of necessary infrastructure at schools, colleges and other institutes of higher education in the state, failure of the government to recruit qualified and regular teachers to fill up the vacant posts of teachers, which the education minister himself had admitted to be over 7000 posts in the government schools alone in the state assembly, is one of the main reasons behind students coming out of their classrooms in anger to protest every time an order is issued for transferring some teachers.

As recently as August 27 last, students of Thanga Higher Secondary School in Bishnupur district staged an intense protest demanding cancellation of an order issued by the Education Department for transferring three teachers, one each of Sociology, Geography and English subject, from the school in the middle of academic year and that too when functioning of the school is already reeling under the impact of shortage of teachers.

There are many such instances that could be cited here, but we would forgo from doing so due to want of space.

So, when Education minister Basanta Kumar recently said that around 70 to 80 per cent of the recruited teachers in Manipur only think about the salary, we could very well understand why it had evoked such strong reaction from the JAC AMTUC and AMGEO even to the extent of denouncing him as someone devoid of leadership quality and not fit to be the education minister.

Praising teachers or honouring some of them with awards on the occasion of celebrating Teachers' Day doesn't gel when the education minister knows perfectly well his department is rotten to the core.

While he is at the helm of education department, the education minister could at least do something to stem the rot rather than blaming the teachers, even if they had joined the job through backdoor and are thinking only about their monthly salary.