Heirok School found run by two principals
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 02 2025: In a startling revelation that underscores a serious failure in the state's education system, the Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has uncovered that Heirok Higher Secondary School, a government-run institution, was being operated under the authority of not one', but two principals simultaneously.

Addressing media persons at its office at Kwakeithel on Saturday, DESAM secretary general Nongthombam Thoithoiba expressed deep concern over the government's inaction, stating that despite the organisation's repeated initiatives and agitations to streamline the state's education system, the authorities remain completely unmoved.

Amid this ongoing indifference, DESAM stumbled upon a bizarre and deeply troubling discovery: Heirok Higher Secondary School was functioning under dual leadership.

Upon further investigation, it was found that one Sh Jayanta was officially appointed as the regular principal of the school through an order issued in November 2024.However, shockingly, the school's admission notification dated May 11, 2025, bore the signature of Thokchom Nimai, designated as principal.

What is even more disturbing, Thoithoiba said, is that although Sh Jayanta was officially appointed, he was merely a figurehead and had completely abdicated his responsibilities.

In contrast, Thokchom Nimai was not only acting as the de-facto principal but had also assumed multiple powerful roles simultaneously, including School Management Committee chairman and Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO).

He was found to be running the school unilaterally, exercising unchecked authority in clear violation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

He further revealed that, in blatant violatiqn of the RTE Act, which guarantees free education for children up to Class VIII, students of Classes VI, VII and VIII were being charged admission fees.

According to complaints received by DESAM, the school authorities collected Rs 300 each from students of Classes VI and VII and Rs 400 from Class VIII students under the pretext of purchasing neckties, belts, badges and issuing identity cards.

DESAM has obtained supporting documents, including money receipts, which clearly confirm the transactions.

Based on the number of students enrolled, the total amount collected by the school annually is estimated to be around Rs 86,700.Thoithoiba expressed deep dismay over the prevailing condition of the education sector in Manipur, describing it as a "system without structure" and an "ownerless sector".

He said that the situation is not just unfortunate but utterly unacceptable, especially in such a critical domain as education.

He questioned how Thokchom Nimai, who is merely a lecturer and not even qualified to hold the post of vice-principal, could audaciously sign and issue official notifications as the principal of the school.

Thoithoiba demanded that the authorities concerned publicly clarify the matter by producing the official order under which Thokchom Nimai was allegedly appointed as principal.

He further urged that legal action be taken not only against Thokchom Nimai for overstepping his authority and violating norms but also against the regular principal, Sh Jayanta, for dereliction of duty.

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