Oken pledges to crack down on corruption
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 03 2013: Asserting that corruption, if any, in the Education Department would not be tolerated, Education Minister Moirangthem Oken-dro has stated that the State Government is according top priority on the improvement of the education sector.

Attending the 11 th foundation day of Democratic' Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) as the chief guest at RK Sanatombi Vidyalaya Complex, North AOC today, M Okendro hinting at corruption as the bane of educational progression in the State cautioned that bribe-takers as well as the givers would be punished without any leniency.

Referring to the recently conducted Teachers' Eligibility Test (TET) as a component of the Government's policy to promote quality education in the State, the Minister, however, conceded that there is need for more concerted effort to improve the higher education scenario.

Expressing that Md Ismat Khan topping the CBSE-con-ducted higher secondary examination had been a much needed boost and an example that Manipuri students too can compete with the best in the country, Okendro solicited positive criticisms and suggestion from all concerned, particularly the scholars to help the Government improve the education sector.

Assuring that from this year on relevant measures would be initiated to appoint regular Principals, he declared that the Manipur Education Service would be introduced this year for which consultations are on with the Manipur Public Service Commission officials.

Further announcing that vocational training courses would be opened in all the hill district schools as Rs 1 crore has already been earmarked for the purpose, Minister Okendro added that in all the nine districts there would be atleast one Government polytechnic institution to cater to the growing demand for widening scope of education.

Moreover, process is on for conducting TET examinations in the hill districts within March 30 for which a candidate should possess or have completed BEd and DIET courses, said the Minister.

Appreciating DESAM's initiatives and efforts to promote quality education in the State, he assured that suggestions put forth by the student body would be accorded importance and considered positively.

Pointing out that lack of budgetary allocation had been the main factor for the Education Department unable to effectively address various problems afflicting one of the most important sectors, the Minister confided that with the improving in the financial condition of the Government there is strongly possibility of overcoming problems of infrastructure inadequacies in many Government-run educational institutions.

Contending that lack of a rationale transfer policy and not shortage of teachers had been the main problem besetting Government schools and colleges which would be sorted out at the earliest, Okendro further conveyed that an amount of Rs 300 crore has been provided by the Central Government to construct school buildings.

While regretting lack of quality control in school building constructions, the Minister mooted that school development/management committees should ensure that prescribed criteria are strictly adhered to in executing construction plans.

The DESAM foundation day was marked by presentation of awards to teachers in recognition of their service, presentation of cultural items and organising a blood donation camp to commemorate the occasion.

the teachers conferred with the Chingu Maichou Khongnangthaba Award included senior science graduate teacher P Babu of Ningthoukhong Junior High School, Th Shanti of Lamlai Junior High School, headmaster M Sanahal of Waithou Mapal JHS and senior lecturer (economics) H Jeten of Tomchou Higher Secondary School, Mayang Imphal.

The celebration was held under the theme 'Putting Higher Education on Track' .

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