Manipur Education Minister Th Basantakumar on Thursday apologised to all teachers, clarifying that his statement regarding 70-80 per cent of teachers working only for their salary was misinterpreted.
He made the clarification during the state-level Teachers’ Day celebration at MSFDS, Palace Compound, Imphal.
Attending as chief guest, he publicly apologised to all teachers, explaining that the intent of his statement was to suggest that if 70-80 per cent of teachers performed their duties with commitment and sincerity, they could contribute to building a better and more developed society. He clarified that his positive statement had been turned into a negative one.
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Basantakumar expressed his appreciation for the unwavering efforts and dedication of teachers to the community, stating that Teachers’ Day is celebrated in commemoration of former president Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
He further praised and credited all teachers and staff of the education department for their dedication to educational development, which has been evident over the past three years. According to the National Achievement Survey (NAS), a comprehensive educational assessment conducted in India every three years, Manipur achieved the highest results among the northeastern states, he added.
Reflecting on media reports about the failure of the ‘School Fagathalasi Mission,’ the minister clarified that the state government’s mission is not yet fully effective across all schools in Manipur.
He explained that it is a long-term plan to bring changes in the education sector. The government started by selecting 60 government schools from 60 Assembly constituencies to upgrade into model schools. The number has since increased to 120, 240, and will continue to grow.
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He emphasised that it will take time to bring change to the education sector and highlighted the significant increase in Central funds received this year due to the efforts of higher authorities in the Education department, led by the Commissioner.
He stressed that teamwork is essential from both teaching faculties and department staff. The department is doing its best to provide incentives and timely promotions without any protests to streamline the education sector.
“Without providing any incentives, how can a teacher perform their duties well?” said Basantakumar.
As many as 603 lecturers held protests recently, demanding 16 months of pending salary. Despite not receiving their salaries since April last year, these lecturers continue to perform their duties.
Basantakumar mentioned that to ensure transparency in the education sector, the recruitment of higher education teachers will be conducted through the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC).
The Education minister also awarded eight colleges under the ‘Chief Minister’s Award for Educational Excellence, 2024’ with cash prizes. The colleges include Manipur College, Don Bosco College, Thoubal College, Kamakhya Pemton College, SK Women’s College, Waikhom Mani Girls College, Mount Everest College, and TS Paul Manipur Women’s College.
At today’s celebration, the State Teacher’s Awards 2024 were presented to six teachers.
The awardees were Lisham Roma Devi, Primary Teacher of Athokpam Jr. High School; Ch Damayenti Devi, Arts Graduate Teacher of Changangei Jr. High School; Akoijam Sundari Devi, Arts Graduate Teacher of Ningthoukhong Hr. Sec. School; Hriiziio Adahe, Science Graduate Teacher of Mao Maram Hr. Sec. School; P. Nipendro Singh, Principal of Model Hr. Sec. School; and Binodkumar Sharma, Hindi Graduate Teacher of Irang Pt-II Govt. High School. They were honored with a citation and a cash award of Rs 50,000 each.
The state government also honored the principals/headmasters of 31 government schools that achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in the High School Leaving Certificate Examination 2024 of BOSEM. Additionally, the Principals/Headmasters of 12 government schools that achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in the Higher Secondary Examination 2024 of COHSEM were recognised.
Sixty-eight subject-toppers from government schools in the Higher Secondary Examination 2024 of the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur, were honored with certificates and mementos.
Commissioner (Education) H Gyan Prakash; Director (University and Higher Education) Rangitabali Waikhom; and Director (Education-S) L Nandakumar Singh, IAS, attended the event as the president and guests of honor, respectively.
