Ibobi seeks apology, cites slip of tongue
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 12 2011:
Facing criticism for his alleged derogatory remarks against the private school teachers, chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today clarified that he had no intention to hurt sentiment of the private school teachers.
Addressing a public gathering at Sagolband Thingom Leikai today, the Chief Minister reacting to scathing attacks by private school founders and management committee members said that he appreciates efforts and dedication of private school teachers in transforming the education scenario in Manipur.
Inspite of the meagre salary paid to the private school teachers it is without doubt that their contribution in producing meritorious students in the State remains un-matchable, said Ibobi while regretting that incomplete utterances due to hastiness at a previous function had resulting in hurting sentiment of the private school teachers.
Noting toil of private school teachers in moulding the future pillars of the Manipuri society despite minimal emoluments received by them compared to the peers in the Government schools, he also explained that his observation do not mean that Government school teachers are not qualified.
Even though there are many qualified teachers in both the Government and private schools the difference lie in the commitment and selflessness in dispensing their respective assignments to the students, maintained the Chief Minister while reiterating his sincere apology to the private school teachers.
On the recent appointment of teachers under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan (RMSA) project, he asserted that the enrolment was purely based on merit as there would be no compromise in the education sector.
Likewise all appointment in the health sector would be solely based on qualification of the candidates concerned for the Government accords top priority in promoting a healthy society, affirmed the Chief Minister.
On various development works initiated by the SPF Government including the sewerage and Naga Nullah projects, and road development/repairing works of Uripok, Wahengbam Leikai and RIMS Road, he conceded that even if these projects could not be completed next month every effort would be made to mitigate inconveniences faced by the general public within March next year.
Highlighting that the Government's vision for transforming the twin capital districts to an eco-friendly city, the CM desired that the people promote civic sense and dispose household waste materials in a proper manner rather than litter the streets surreptitiously.
While stating that the SPF Government is determined to ensure egalitarian development throughout the nook and corner of the State, the Chief Minister also predicted that the Congress party will bag no less than 45 seats in the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections.
With the exception of Thangmeiband assembly constituency, Congress candidates will triumph in the seven assembly segments of Imphal area, opined the CM and hastened to add that there is no guarantee that sitting Congress MLAs will be allotted party tickets in the coming hustings.
In his address, MPCC president G Gaikhangam said through implementation of various flag-ship schemes there had been appreciable development in the state and sought support of the people in the endeavour of the SPF Government to ensure development throughout the State.
Without specifying, Gaikhangam suggested that only through democratic form of movement could all outstanding issue be resolved in an amicable manner.
As a part of the Sagolband Thingom Leikai community hall inauguration programme, Works Minister K Ranjit, Tourism Minister TN Haokip, PDA Chairman and Sagolband AC MLA Dr Kh Loken and Moirang AC MLA M Prithviraj also deliberated on flagship schemes and other development projects of the UPA and SPF Government.
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