Who is the Education Minister of Manipur ?
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: June 01, 2012 -

Education Minister M Okendro and other officials at the launch of upgrade website :: Pix - Hueiyen Lanpao

In tandem with the earlier announcement of Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro to bring about a visible change in the existing education system within six months, the website of State Education Department is said to have been upgraded along with opening of a separate e-mail account and post box number through which public can lodged complaints or forward suggestions for the betterment of the department and its functioning.

It was with great fanfare that the 'upgraded website' was formally announced and unveiled during a function at the conference hall of Department of Education (S) at Lamphelpat on May 30.

The new e-mail account ([email protected]) has also indicated the concern of the newly inducted Education Minister towards his avowed challenge of streamlining the education system of the state which has come to be regarded as synonymous with corruption and scandal down the years.

A day after launching of the upgraded website, during which various issues related to finalization of CPIS, seniority list, joining reports of newly recruited teachers, etc too have been discussed, it is inspiring to learn that the long pending seniority list of employees in Education Department would be finally out on June 13.

Such swift action has reinforced the commitment of Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro towards his mission of education reforms in the state.

However, it appears that the public are likely to be wary of any such supposed swift changes in the education department and its functioning, regardless of the vows made by any Minister.

From all likelihood, it is with a pinch of salt that the public would be lapping up to the 'tall promises' of Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro, who had even dared to relinquish the portfolio of education in favour of someone who can, if he fails to accomplish the task set forth within the stipulated period of six months.

(As a matter of fact, 15 days have already passed since the announcement of the challenge on May 15). This is not a question of being skeptical or casting aspersion on the intention of our new and daring Education Minister.

But what is perplexing amid all this euphoria over seeing a visible change in the education system within six months' time is the 'un-upgraded' information in the upgraded website of the Education Department.

Whether it is due to sheer neglect or the characteristic rot deep within, the Department of Education (S), at the government level, is still led by 'Hon'ble Minister of Education, Shri L. Jayantakumar Singh with Shri P.K Singh, Commissioner, Education (S) as the head of the administration.

Shri M. Harekrishna is the Director of the department and is also the Additional Secretary of Education (S), Government of Manipur'. Mr Education Minister, if you don't believe us, just log-on to the website, and have a look for yourself.

And don't be surprised if your name is not there. At least, you can be happy that there is a photograph of your good self lighting up the ceremonial lamp of a function in which, perhaps, you may have spelled out the agenda on education reforms. Cheer up!