Clarion call for redeeming our rightful future

Sword Vashum *

Tangkhul Naga Long press conference at the TNL office in Viewland, Ukhrul on February 06 2024 :: Pix - TSE

The worth & efficacy of any public organization are defined by the objective/s or goal/s to which the organization stands dedicated. The objective howsoever laudable and admirable would just remain empty tin-clanging until and unless backed up by Action-Oriented Mission Mode that aggressively focuses on core sectors.

Once the core areas of societal existence get streamlined and get back on even keel mode, the entire paraphernalia gradually start responding in cohesive rhythmic vibration towards achieving the set goal.

What is the goal of TNL (Tangkhul Naga Long) ?

Briefly stated, TNL has no greater & nobler task than guiding and controlling the ongoing voyage to our cherished destiny – Destiny that is crowned with God-given Honor, Dignity and Self-respect. In pursuit of the given goal, it is for the TNL to steer clear of all obstacles, roadblocks, impediments, hindrances etc (from within and without) in order to secure our safe landing on the right spot of the 21st century civilization.

It takes courage, tenacity and foresight to secure that “Right Spot” of the civilization. Are we ready for what it takes to secure that “Right Spot” of the civilization ? As we say “Yes”, to the challenge, we commit ourselves to tasking ourselves with the following “Most Inevitable”.

First. Our educational institutions ought to be the bedrock and anchor of our future. Are we then investing the utmost of ourselves into producing the best versions of the young men & women that they ought to be ? Are the younger generations, as they get churned out of the colleges and universities, at par with the expectations and challenges of the real time ?

Sad to say, by all counts and on all counts, our educational institutions have largely proven themselves junkyards soon to graduate themselves to graveyards of the younger generations.

If they, who would be pillars of our society tomorrow, are allowed to rot away due to sheer apathy and incompetence of the authorities and agencies concerned, then know for sure, we are clearly in a situation faced with self-inflicted existential threat.

Therefore, no more delay ! Such is the time when we ought to be firm and resolute in action with a view to stopping the fast spreading ulcer from turning cancerous. Please note the following for immediate redressal.

Second. All educational institutions have sanctioned strength of a given number of teaching and non-teaching staff. The sanctioned strength of all the institutions in all the districts (the State) are all covered and provided for, in the budget each year (salaries & allowances plus establishment exp.).

Third. All institutions in the hills have had to suffer persistent chronic shortage of teaching staff particularly of the most essential subjects like Maths, Science, English etc to the extent of 50% or more right round the year.

Fourth. Given the fact that 50% and more of the sanctioned posts of teaching staff for the non-council schools in the hills remain unutilized, how would the Govt justify 100% utilization of budgeted allocations of funds for all the educational institutions in the hills every single year?

Fifth. Why this determined interest in making a mockery of the temples of learning with perpetual absence of more than 50% of the sanctioned strength of teaching staff ? Have the temples of learning been converted into temples for lootings ?

Sixth. How does the Government justify utterly insane manipulative practice of transferring/posting staff to schools in the hills but utilizing them in the valley ? Is this not a testament to undying valley chauvinism ?

Seventh. Another spectacular unique feature of Manipur Government is allowing “duty performance” by proxy on rent cutting across the departments but notoriously rampant in educational institutions in the hills. Such rampageous vicious culture, if not nibbed in the bud would surely strangulate the soul of our future.

Eight. All vacancies particularly of Sciences, Maths and English be filled up immediately latest within April 2025.

Ninth. Last but not the least, strict enforcement of accountability at every level of designated departmental and institutional authorities as per the law is a sine qua non for the success of any organization/institution.

Institution/organization without accountability is simply a curse for the society. What should we choose ? Please make no mistake, a people worth the destiny of God-given Honor, Dignity and Self-respect thrives on Learning Institutions that are ever on the climb.

I beg of you all, let it never ever be said of Us that we mortgaged the Future of the upcoming generations to forces of Injustice and Inhumanity for things frivolous and sparkling. Enough is Enough!!!


TSE Editor Note: The gist of this article has already appeared briefly in a news item on Thursday (Jan 30) and the full text is being given here for greater calarity to the readers