Education Minister Moirangthem Oken pledges to stem rot
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 17 2012: Conceding that he has received overwhelming complaints on the State's education system not yielding the desired result, Education Minister Moirangthem okendra affirmed that every possible effort would be made to bring about a positive change in the system.

Speaking at the felicitation programme hosted jointly by the Department of Education (Schools & University), SCERT, Adult Education and Technical Education on his behalf at MFDC auditorium, Palace Compound today, Okendra said that cleansing the education system would be an arduous task for which positive feed-backs and support of every section of the society will be needed.

Maintaining that the State's education system has failed miserably for the past 30 years, he nevertheless pledged that within six months a positive change would be a certainty.

Regretting that Manipuri students face undesired consequences even to the extent of being killed while pursuing higher studies in other States, Oken said this is due to the unhealthy education system in the State.

The Minister announced that there would be no laxity in improving the academic scenario by incorporating a pragmatic education system under which emphasis would be on promoting Tourism Education and medical health education to conform with the Look East Policy.

Regarding administrative haul-up, he informed that a Cabinet meeting held last evening resolved to enact Manipur Education Service Rule 2012 through which the 20,000 strong Education Department personnel would be streamlined along with periodical revision and updating of syllabus.

Prevailing upon the department personnel that only through their dedication and commitment could the goal of quality education be achieved at the earliest possible, Okendra also conveyed that charter of demands submitted by the DESAM contains many points that is possible for implementation while some would be difficult to put in place.

Informing that academicians and subject experts would be consulted to translate into action proposals of the student organisation, the Minister announced that transfer/posting of teachers would be looked after by a Committee specifically set up for the task.

along with ensuring that setting up of educational institutions will be a suitable locations, he said strong emphasis would be on the publication of updated text books, focus on vocational education and priority to those schools/college where there are maximum number of students.

While confiding that one more tribal university would be set up in the State, the Minister also took serious note of the reputed DM College converted to a haven for contractors without any visible improvement in the academic situation.

Apart from constituting a joint committee of student organisations and taking into account positive feed-backs by the student bodies appointment of incumbents of colleges where there are no principals would be initiated based on seniority, assured the Minister who also declared that a mechanism would be worked out to enable student bodies strictly monitor any lapses in the implementation of mid-day meal programmes.

Strongly mooting public-private partnership to improve the education system of Manipur, he asserted that students from the below poverty line families would be ensured all the benefits under various programmes.

Inviting all concerned to provide relevant information for development of education in the State, the Minister said he would ensure his availability to address all outstanding issues.

Top officials of various education and associated departments also attended the felicitation programme.

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