DESAM protests alleged irregularities in recruitment; 4 held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 13 2024: Demanding cancellation of the recruitment of 1140 pre-primary teachers by the Education Department, volunteers of Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) stormed the Office of State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha at Babupara and Directorate of Education (S), Lamphelpat leading to the arrest of four persons including three DESAM volunteers.

Separately, Dhanamanjuri University students also staged a protest in front of the Administrative Block over irregularities in conducting the delayed 3rd semester examination.

Meanwhile, a press release issued by Elangbam Sonia, Joint Secretary, Education (S) charged the protesting students of vandalizing and forcibly closing the Samagra Shiksha and Education (S) offices by driving out the staff using force.

Education (S) has strongly condemned the incident calling it a "deplorable act" while adding that an FIR has been filed in this connection.

Around 1 pm today, DESAM volunteers stormed the Samagra Shiksha office raising slogans against flouting of rules in the recruitment of pre-primary teachers.

After police intervention, the crowd dispersed and gathered at the Directorate of Education (S), Lamphelpat, drove out the staff and attempted to lock the office.

At this juncture, the police arrived at the spot and an altercation ensued between the two parties.

The police personnel succeeded in breaking up the commotion and arrested three DESAM volunteers and an auto-driver who reportedly drove the volunteers to the protest site.

Speaking in this connection, M Somorjit, president, DESAM, demanded cancellation of the recruitment of 1140 pre-primary teachers citing violation of NEP 2020 guidelines in the recruitment process.

M Somorjit accused the Education Department of compromising with NEP 2020 guideline to recruit only individuals trained in Early Child Care Education (ECCE) which is reportedly necessary for pre-primary education.

However, in violation of this rule, the Education Department has set Class XII passed individuals eligible for pre-primary teacher recruitment, he said.

Meanwhile, the press release issued by the Directorate of Education (S) stated that the Government has already issued a clarification in this regard on March 24 .

As per the clarification, the recruitment is being conducted through a Centrally sponsored scheme (Samagra Shiksha Scheme) and the funding is 90:10 (Centre:State).

If the recruitment process is not completed then the funds allocated for the same will lapse for Manipur, it added.

Regarding the complaint surrounding qualification of the applicants, the press note of March 24 had clarified that relaxation of qualification was mentioned due to non-availability of training centres in the State which offer the requisite courses for pre-primary teachers such as Diploma in Nursery Teacher Education/Pre-School Education/Early Childhood Education Programme or B.Ed (nursery) recognized by National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) .

The clarification had also mentioned that the candidates who fulfill the requisite qualification as per NCTE guidelines will be recruited first and then candidates with relaxed qualifications will be considered if there are any remaining vacancies after that, the Education (S) statement added.

Meanwhile, a press release issued by DESAM today condemned the arrest of three of its volunteers and an auto-driver and demanded their unconditional release.

In addition, DESAM has termed the clarification issued by the Education (S) Department as "meaningless" adding that if the Government is adamant on continuing with the recruitment then the State Cabinet should also pass a resolution allowing Class XII passed students to be recruited as doctors and engineers without any training.

On the other hand, students at DMU set ablaze some objects including fans from the Administrative Block in protest against DMU authority attempting to conduct the 3rd semester examination in online mode for some students and offline mode for others.

Police arrived at the spot and brought the situation under control.

Comment