The Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has banned admission to departments of colleges with insufficient teaching staff.
During a press conference on Tuesday at their office, DESAM general secretary Nongthombam Thoithouba said that due to the ongoing conflict which started in May, 2023 departments in some colleges do not have sufficient teaching staff as per University regulation.
Departments in colleges which have insufficient teachers should cease the admission process immediately, said Thoithoiba, adding that principals or department heads who disregard the directive would be seen as violating student rights.
He said that due to lack of faculty in departments, there are cases of admissions over the required number of students, overloading on existing resources and thus compromising in quality education.
Moreover, such situations lead to unfair means during examination due to lack of proper guidance and instruction, said Thoithoiba.
DESAM squarely placed blame on the education minister, commissioner and director of education for the current state of affairs.
DESAM charged them for neglecting responsibilities and prioritising personal gain over the welfare of students. They also condemned college principals and department heads for perpetuating practices that are against National Education Policy.
There is an urgent need to promptly rectify such issues with an intervention from education minister, commissioner and director”, said Thoithoiba.
He urged them to prioritise addressing the shortage of teachers to ensure quality education to all students.
DESAM also held the chief minister accountable for his apparent indifference amidst a deteriorating state of education in the state.
The student body also called for immediate action to uphold the rights of students so that they may receive quality education.