All praises and roads lead to Minister Okendro's quarter
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 20 2013: Leaders of various civil society organizations (CSOs) in the State today almost stormed the official residence of Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro while coming to praise him and express their words of gratitude over the approval of State Cabinet to establish a Language Directorate in the State.

The Minister was surprised when a large number of well wishers came rushing to his quarter at Babupara at around 8 am today.

Leaders of various CSOs including Meetei Eyek Erol Loinasillon Apunba Lup (MEELAL); Meetei National Front (MNF); All Manipur Private Schools' Welfare Association (AMPSWA); All Manipur Students' Guardian Organisation (AMSGO); Research Forum Manipur, Dr Hamom Nabachandra, Secretary of Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur (CHSEM) and L Mahavir, Joint Director of Language Cell were among the first who arrived at the quarter of Minister M Okendro and garlanded him.

Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro

While conveying his appreciation over the support and cooperation of the people, Minister Okendro stated that though Manipuri language was included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 1992, there was no strategy or plan on the part of the then State Government to develop Manipuri language.

But now, under the leadership and guidance of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, the State Cabinet has approved setting up of a full-fledged Language Directorate in the State and all necessary measures would be taken up to develop Manipuri language.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference at its head office here today, President of MEELAL Sadokpam Tomba, observed that since the State Cabinet has approved establishment of a Language Directorate in the State, the apprehension in the minds of the people that Manipuri language would ultimately cease to exist, has been dispelled.

Informing that a coaching class for candidates appearing in TET for Meetei Mayek would be conducted from February 25 to 29, Tomba also appealed to the authorities of Catholic schools to stop considering Alternative English as an important subject to Manipuri and make Manipuri a compulsory subject for all students.