Meet stresses formulation of State Education policy
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 31 2015 :
The need to formulate a concrete Education policy of the State was stressed during a meeting convened by the All Manipur Students Guardians' Organisation (AMSGO) to discuss issues relating to charging of hefty amount of money as private tuition fees today at Manipur Press Club.
Speaking at the meeting, S Sumati, organisation secretary of AMSGO pointed out that education system in the State remains stagnant although many efforts have been made from all quarters to improve the system.
This is due to the absence of viable State education policy.
As such, private tuition centres boom in the State during the last five years.
Since the practice of private tuition has been deeply entrenched in the system, teaching-learning process inside the classrooms dwindled, Sumati said.
This unhealthy practice begins with the parents who think that they are moulding their children by forming long queues at the gates of private tuition teachers, she observed.
Taking advantage of the situation, private tuition/coaching centres started charging hefty fees.
Most of the centres charged amount ranging from Rs 100 to 500 just for acquiring forms.
Amount ranging from Rs 2000 to Rs 7000 has been charged for 'foundation course' for classes IX to XII by these centres.
Rs 12,500 has been charged for revision course for Class X, she maintained.
This unhealthy practice has caused unnecessary pressure on students from poor economic background.
Besides, it is also the main factor responsible for the increase of school dropouts among students, Sumati opined.
She further stressed the need to work out a specific fee structure.
Working president of AMSGO N Chaoba, vice-president Kh Mahendra, general secretary O Yaima, treasurer H Borbabu attended the meeting as the dais members.
Many parents and guardians attended the meeting.