'Speed up affiliation process of Dance College to MU'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 13 2021: The Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has urged authorities concerned to expedite the process for affiliation of Government Dance College to Manipur University (MU).

Addressing media persons in this regard at DESAM's office at Kwakeithel, its cultural affairs secretary Oinam Surjakanta said that Government Dance College has been an institution run by the Department of Art and Culture.

However, on a background study, DESAM has found that due procedure for affiliation of the college to MU was started back in the year 2005 and necessary deposit for Rs 1 lakh has been made, he said.

However, the process was reportedly stalled due to some issues pertaining to few departments of the Government Dance College back then, he said.

But when proposal for resumption of the affiliation process was brought up this year by the College, the Department of Art and Culture of Manipur University had called for a formal proposal application through proper channel.

DESAM has learnt that the Government Dance College has subsequently written to the Department of Art and Culture on April 28 this year urging the latter to continue the affiliation process and the same has been reportedly forwarded by the Director of Art and Culture to the Commissioner on June 24 .

However, even after months, there has been no development and this is unfortunate, he said while urging the officials concerned to speed up the affiliation process.

Since the college remains unaffiliated to any 'UGC Recognised University' and certificates of students are being issued with signatures by college Principal and Commissioner of Art and Culture, students aspiring to continue further study outside the State are facing a wide range of inconveniences, he said.

Further Government Music College is also affiliated to Bhatkhande University in Lucknow and as such students studying in the College will be rendered helpless whenever issues arise, he said.

While expressing shock over how such important institutes have not been affiliated to institutes in the State for so long, Surjakanta also drew the attention of the Chief Minister and officials concerned to take up necessary steps to ensure the colleges are affiliated to UGC recognised University/Universities and careers of students are not ruined.

DESAM and other bodies will not remain silent if academic careers of students pursuing art and culture continue to be left unattended, he continued.

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