School infrastructure irks Chief Minister Okram Ibobi
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 05, 2013: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has expressed strong displeasure at the existing conditions of school infrastructure after education sector was given first priority and huge amounts invested accordingly.

The Chief Minister was also taken by surprise on learning about enrolment of students in excess not compatible to the existing infrastructure in TG Higher Secondary School.

Ibobi was speaking at the Teachers' Day observance held at DM College Multipurpose Hall here today which was jointly organised by the Department of Education (Schools), State Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) Society, State Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan (RMSA) Society, Higher and Technical Education, State Council for Education, Research and Training, Adult Education, Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation and Board of Secondary Education Manipur.

Speaking as chief guest at the Teachers' Day observance held under the theme, "Saluting our teachers and striving together for quality education in Manipur to build the best future of our society", Ibobi claimed that the Government has been implementing many programmes within education sector after first priority was given to the same sector.

Stating that the State Government is ready to invest all the plan amount in education sector, the Chief Minister sought suggestions from the people on effective ways and means of improving education system in the State.

Noting that students are pillars of the nation, Ibobi maintained that the Government has no reservation in investing all the plan amount in education sector for the sake of educating young students properly and make them valuable assets of the nation even though the financial condition of the State is not sound enough.

It's time for the people to ponder collectively and work to bring a revolutionary change in the existing education system.

Both the teachers and parents have great roles in shaping and grooming students.

Neither teachers alone nor parents on their own can groom students successfully.

Construction of school buildings under SSA is being done like it is an avenue for earning quick money.

Most of the school buildings constructed anew have been abandoned incomplete.

Grooming students and enhancing human resource pool cannot be postponed to some future dates.

Students must be given education in time, Ibobi asserted.

It is a matter of shame for the Government, its officials, Government teachers as well as Government school students that these schools in spite of receiving huge amounts of funds cannot win any award at State level examinations and competitions, Ibobi lamented.

In his presidential speech, Education Minister M Okendro claimed that the State Government has been working with a vision to make Manipur self-reliant in education sector.

In honour of the teachers fraternity, the Government has extended their retirement period.

Although Government schools were lying in shambles in an abominable manner a few years back, Government schools are now gradually winning back faith of a large number of parents and guardians.

To improve the education system of the State is the collective responsibility of both the public and the Government.

Decrying that the relationship of love and respect once shared between teachers and students seemed to have disappeared, Okendro underscored the importance of good behaviour and discipline among students.

For admission in higher secondary schools, a combined admission test would be held starting from next academic season.

The Education Minister further announced that 300 schools buildings of the same model would be constructed under SSA.

Competent and qualified candidates would be appointed as administrators in Education Department.

MPSC has been already entrusted the task of appointing regular Principals for Government colleges, he added.

Schools which produced toppers in the HSLC Exam and Higher Secondary Exam this year were felicitated at the function.

MLA D Korungthang, YAS Parliamentary Secretary M Prithiviraj, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Parliamentary Secretary Vungzagin Valte and MLA Alexander Pao were also present at the function.

Capitalising on the Teachers' Day observance, many teachers' associations submitted memorandums to the Chief Minister and the Education Minister.

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