MPCC secretary urges action to save DM College
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 14 2024: Expressing concern over the stalemate in DM University, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) secretary P Saratchandra has urged authorities concerned to ensure the survival of DM College.

Once a prestigious institution and a competitor of Guwahati's Cotton College, DM College was highly sought after by students, he said.

Addressing media persons at EK Higher Secondary School, P Saratchandra, who is also the secretary of the school, said that Manipur has been reeling under crisis for the last 14 months and as a result the people of the state are facing immense sufferings.

Noting disruption caused to economic activities and ongoing reports of house destruction and violence, he emphasised the critical need to sustain education in the state in-spite of the challenging situation.

Referring to Nelson Mandela's assertion that education is key to ending discrimination against the black community by the whites, Saratchandra noted that students of DM College, part of DM University, have been on a hunger strike since July 9 due to the non-conduct of exams, fearing derailment of their academic careers due to absence of regular appointment of VC, Registrar and Controller of Examinations.

He also pointed out the urgent need for the government to address this issue, while expressing dismay at DM University's comparatively lower standing compared to universities of other states.

He also mentioned that from 1946 to 2018, spanning 72 years, DM College had maintained a prestigious status and competed with Guwahati's Cotton College.

However, post 2018, DM College has witnessed a sharp decline, with irregular exams causing students to risk losing one or two academic years.

Saratchandra also expressed deep concern over students being forced into a hunger strike, while pointing out the urgent need for intervention by the chief minister, education minister and intellectuals to ensure the university's smooth operation.

He called for the matter to be discussed in the upcoming state assembly session starting July 31.Additionally, he also appealed to all concerned not to impose financial demands on educational institutions and advocated for making education a free zone.

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