70-80 pc of teachers focus only on salary: Education Minister
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 02 2024: Democracy will truly be meaningful only when its four pillars, namely the Legislature, Executive, Judiciary and the media are able to perform their roles independently and in a complementary manner, stated Education minister Th Basanta Kumar.

Speaking as chief guest of a daylong media sensitisation programme on school education organised by All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Education Department as part of AMWJU's golden jubilee celebration at Manipur Press Club here on Monday, minister Basanta asserted that the government has been paying special attention to improve the education sector with initiatives including the enactment of Anti-Cheating Act to prevent cheating and question leakage, and a bill to regulate private schools and tuition centres, among others.

While effects of the bill may not be immediate, it will definitely bear fruit in the future, he stated.

While highlighting the achievements of School Fagathansi Mission, the education minister, however, stressed the need for formulating a non-bailable law to arrest those imposing bandh and blockades and disturbing the people apart from expressing that the indigenous communities should stop being overly concerned with self-interests but understand that all are first and foremost the sons and daughters of Manipur.

It is right to preserve one's identity, community and culture, but one should also consider the big picture and not forget that all indigenous communities are Manipuris first.

Mentioning instances of some "village volunteers" committing crimes when discussions are being held to provide some kind of legal relief for them, Basanta Kumar said that this impacts education negatively.

He then cautioned against making unreasonable demands to educational demands and threatening teachers, adding that if such criminal activities continue, the future of the society will be bleak.

Regarding that issue of teacher shortage, the education minister said that if teachers have positive attitude, then the' education sector will see huge changes.

However, around 70 to 80 per cent of the recruited teachers only think about the salary, which raises questions on the future of the education system, he remarked.

In his speech as guest of honour, Education (S) director L Nandakumar invited constructive suggestions for improving the education sector, in accordance with the rules.

The Department will translate such suggestions into action, he said, while wishing for media firms to publish news of state teachers receiving national awards in a grand manner.

He then said that around 50 per cent of the Indian population consists of youths, and as such, there is a need to inform them of the vital aspects of education sector.

The programme was also attended by Education (S) commissioner Gyan Prakash and Editors' Guild Manipur president Khogendra Khomdram as guests of honour, with AMWJU president Bijoy Kakchingtabam as president.

During the technical session, director L Nandakumar gave an overview of the activities taken up by the Department with regard to NEP.

Assistant programme officer Diana Thangjam spoke on NEP, Education (S/Valley) additional director Bisheshwar Khumancha on the activities taken up at relief camps, additional director (planning) T Gitchandra on School Fagathansi Mission, programme officer Rita Usham on innovative programmes and Education (S) assistant director Kamla on scholarships, as resource persons.

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