DESAM-led committee renews demand for disturbance-free education zone
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, July 23 2026:
The Coordinating Committee on Disturbance Free Education Zone Demand, comprising DESAM and various - like-minded organisations, organised the 19th Disturbance Free Educational Zone Demand Day-2026 campaign at Chaoyaima Higher Secondary School and Little Star School, Thoubal Haokha, in association with the students' unions of the respective schools on Thursday.
The committee, which includes AMCTA, AMRPSWA, COTA, PSDC, AMSGO, AMESTA.
BDRPSA, UARSOM.
DIETEA, MGHSLWA, CASA, CESM, AMTEI.
AIMS and DESAM, has been carrying out the campaign since 2008 across different educational institutions with the objective of making the education sector a disturbance-free zone and ending all forms of monetary demands imposed on educational institutions.
Taking part in raising slogans at the main gate of Chaoyaima Higher Secondary School, committee convenor and DESAM president Oinam Romesh said collective efforts were necessary to minimise the various forms of disturbance affecting the education sector, which is the foundation for students' knowledge and learning.
He said disturbances in the education sector could come from various quarters, including teachers, students, the Government, parents, stakeholders, and various pressure groups through monetary demands.
He said the committee's main objective was to reduce such disturbances and create a conducive environment for education.
Questioning whether the Government was committed to safeguarding or allowing the education sector to deteriorate, Romesh alleged that adequate efforts had not been made to improve and revive the sector.
He pointed out that even in 2026, Chaoyaima Higher Secondary School lacked proper infrastructure, sufficient teachers and essential laboratory materials expected of a Government higher secondary school.
He also said the school's main entrance gate is shared with 31 Assam Rifles, resulting in parents and guardians having to seek permission from the Assam Rifles to enter die school premises when visiting the institution.
Questioning whether such an arrangement could be considered an example of a disturbance-free education zone, he urged the Government to look into the matter and take timely measures.
He said effective intervention would help improve the education system and earn appreciation from the people.
Romesh further said the attention being given to the education sector by the present Government was unsatisfactory and urged it to accord greater priority to education.
He also called for concerted efforts to stop disturbances affecting students, teachers and educational institutions from the Government and other sections of society.
He demanded that educational institutions be allowed to conduct classes for at least 220 days a year, that Directors and Commissioners of Education be appointed from among the teaching community, and that educational institutions not be subjected to monetary demands by organisations.
During the protest, students and teachers held placards and raised slogans demanding an end to unbearable monetary demands on educational institutions, politicisation of education, corruption, nepotism and favouritism in the education sector.
The protesters also demanded enactment of a law ensuring at least 220 days of classes annually, appointment of Directors of Education (School) and (University) from among the teaching community, and establishment of a separate Directorate of Teacher Education.
Other demands included ensuring that delays in Government action do not cause hardship to students, ending the practice of transfer and posting policies into a means of making, declaring education an essential service, and urging founders of educational institutions, teachers and students to discharge their responsibilities honestly.
The committee reiterated its call for collective efforts to make the education sector a genuinely disturbance-free zone and ensure a conducive environment for students and teachers.
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