The Manipur government has decided to put on hold the process of engagement of 1,140 Pre-Primary Teachers in the Education Department (S).
Reiterating the clarification issued by the Education Department regarding qualification prescribed by NCTE for the proposed engagement of Pre-Primary teachers, the department stated on Monday that the state government, in a meeting chaired by the Education Minister, decided to keep the process of engagement of 1140 Pre-Primary Teachers on hold and get the whole matter reviewed by a High-level Committee of Officers.
A release issued by Joint Secretary, Education (S), Government of Manipur, Elangbam Sonia, described the department’s clarification, which was issued on March 24 and June 13 respectively, in which it was stated unequivocally that the relaxed qualification for engagement will be applicable only if the Department does not get the number of teachers with Diploma in Nursery Teacher Education/Pre-School Education/ Early Childhood Education Programme (D.E.C.Ed) of duration not less than two years or B.Ed. (Nursery) recognised by NCTE are not available to be engaged.
The state considered going ahead with the engagement as it is under funding of Government of India with 90:10 share, it stated. It further said that the same would have provided employment to some unemployed youths and also benefit young students between three-six years of age before Class-I.
Sonia refuted the statement which said that the government is trying to recruit unqualified teachers and said that it is hugely incorrect. It may be either the agitating party is not aware of the Press Clarification or allegedly deliberately feigning ignorance, she stated.
The statement further said that it is made to appear in media that the Police action taken against some of the agitators is reportedly because of the protest against the process of engagement. It recalled the Department’s Press note issued on June 13, which stated that the agitators vandalised the offices of the Department at Babupara and Lamphelpat and intimidated the officers and officials in those offices.
It maintained that the Police action is due to the violent actions leading to the destruction of Education-School Department Offices/public property, hindrance in the functioning/ performing of duty by the staff by forcibly driving them out of the offices and locking of offices, etc.
It asserted that the Government is open to any constructive suggestions and discussions and requested all concerned to shun violence and take steps in a reasonable, democratic and peaceful way to resolve any issue. It further assured that the Department will continue to work for the betterment of the State and the students.
