Education minister meets representatives of educational institutions on impact of Covid-19

Imphal (DIPR): Education Minister Dr. Thokchom Radheshyam, today chaired a joint meeting with representatives of private and government educational institutions of central, state and other boards, held at the Conference Hall of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Babupara.

The Minister expressed that the meeting is being held to deliberate and discuss on the impact of Covid-19 in the society, specially the adverse effect of lockdown in the education sector. Addressing the representatives, he spoke in details about the steps undertaken so far and initiatives to be taken up by schools if the lockdown is opened. He also said that the department is equipped for all kinds of likelihood and precautionary measures needed to be taken up to make up for the loss of academic session if the lockdown is not lifted.

He sought suggestions and comment from the representatives for an effective system if classes are resumed and for maximum coverage of students through the mode of online classes in the state. He also asked for suggestions on modalities to provide materials from the online classes through offline facilities to the students.

He further said that the issues regarding the school fees, salary of the teaching and administrative staff of private schools were discussed.  The next round of meeting will be soon held to bring about an amicable solution which will benefit all the stakeholders, he added.

Cautioning the need to stay safe and healthy, the Minister said that there is nothing more precious than life; he stated that it is important that we fight against Covid-19 as one.

Speaking at the meeting, a representative of the United Association of Recognised Schools, Manipur proposed for a modality to conduct classes by respective schools during the lockdown. He drew the attention of the government to find a solution on the school fees and the salary of the staff of the schools which will help in addressing the grievances of all the stakeholders.

Mention may be made that the agenda for the meeting was focused on the impact of the Covid-19 and lockdown on School Education; steps taken so far or planned to be taken by private schools and aided schools to ensure education of students during the lockdown; school fees and related issues; salary of teaching and non-teaching staff of private schools and availability of textbooks.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Education (S), T. Ranjit Singh, Director Education (S), Th. Kirankumar, officials concerned and representatives of the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Manipur; Kendriya Vidyalaya, Manipur; Sainik School, Imphal; Manipur Public School, Koirengei; Catholic Schools, All Manipur Government Aided School Employees Coordinating Committee, All Manipur Recognised Private Schools Welfare Association and CBSE Affiliated Schools, in Manipur.