Manipur CM announces to set up model residential schools

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, September 5, 2018: Manipur chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh today announced to set up model residential schools in seven selected districts soon.

The chief minister was addressing at the state level Teachers’ Day celebration held at the auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Palace Compound, Imphal East.

Stating that the state government has been focussing on human resource development, the chief minister said the first session of Dhanamanjuri University would begin from this year. Moreover, the Manipur Legislative Assembly had passed the Manipur International University Bill, 2018 recently, he said while adding that the number of students going outside the state to pursue higher studies would come down once these two varsities commence its sessions.

He also informed the gathering that many school drop-out children had been re-admitted under State Government’s Lairik Tamhansi scheme. 752 children had been re-admitted in Class I to VIII, and another 876 children in Class IX to XII under the scheme so far, he added. Apart from it, free text books had been provided to around 10,000 students, Biren said.

Maintaining that it is essential to provide quarter facilities for teachers and government employees who are deputed in hill districts, N. Biren informed that Transit Accommodations for teachers and government employees would be constructed at 21 identified places in hill districts soon.

Stating that Teachers Day reminds the role played by teachers in shaping the future of children, Biren said that the day is observed to honour teachers’ contribution to the society.

 Education minister Th. Radheshyam said the main architects of the society are teachers, and they should be the catalyst of a positive change.

The Minister also observed that teachers’ role had become so complex these days due to the fast changing scenario of technological advancement. The state government is considering localised recruitment of elementary school teachers. He said that a big challenge being faced by the education (S) department is that around 400-500 teachers attain service superannuation every year, and no teacher had been recruited since 2011.

 Informing that the rate of enrolment in government schools had witnessed a steep rise in the recent time, the minister said that credit of this achievement goes to the education (S) department and teachers.

Earlier at the function, the chief minister led the gathering in offering floral tribute to the photograph of Dr. Radha Krishnan.

State Teachers’ Awards were also presented to 10 outstanding teachers at the function. The award carries a shawl, a citation and cash prize of Rs. 10,000 each.

Khangembam Indrakumar of Kumbi Santhong Upper Primary School has been selected for National Teachers Award 2017. He has gone to New Delhi to receive the award.

A book entitled, ‘Experimental Learning, Gandhiji’s Nai Talim’ was also released at the function. The book was published through the joint effort of SCERT and Mahatma Gandhi National Council of Rural Education.