Six student bodies demand special package for crisis affected students
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 19 2023:
Even as normal classes in schools are set to resume from June 21, six student bodies have sought special arrangements for welfare and providing education to all students affected by the current crisis.
Appropriate measures are required to avoid crisis affected students dropping out of schools, they said in a statement today.
The student bodies include Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF), Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA), Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK) and Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpang Lup (AIMS) .
The violent clashes and arson have left thousands including children and students homeless forcing them to take shelters in relief camps.
Thousands have also fled for fear of violence and they are unable to return to their homes.
Without the Government taking up dedicated efforts, thousands of students may drop out from schools.
Education should be ensured to all students affected by the crisis and the Government should take up all appropriate measures required, they said.
To improve the education sector and for welfare of the students, the Centre should grant a special package, they added.
For students whose houses have been burnt, the Government should open or institute residential schools and provide education free of cost.
In vulnerable places and nearby areas, security outposts should be installed and with adequate security measures (with the assistance of village volunteers), students should be allowed to attend schools without fear, they said.
The students should also be given psychological counselling, they added.
The student bodies further demanded that the students, who are victims of the crisis, should be allowed to transfer to and attend classes at a school of their choice and convenience.
Siblings and children of people killed in the violent conflict should be given free education at Government as well as private schools.
Considering the prevailing situation and the impact it has on the people financially, private schools should make the admission and tuition fees affordable and shouldn't collect any form of fine from the students.
The Government should establish zonal grievance cells to address the grievances of the students, they said.
The student bodies appealed to the transport associations for assistance and urged them to reduce the fare for students by 50 percent.