Manipur Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar on Thursday said that the state government is prioritising education to bring normalcy to the state amid the present crisis and to reduce the issues faced by the displaced students.
Talking to the media at the auditorium hall of DIPR, Nityaipat Chuthek in Imphal Basanta Kumar informed that the state government has implemented several remedial measures especially for displaced students so as to avoid students dropping out of schools due to the crisis.
He said, out of 4,617 schools in Manipur, 26 are shut down on temporary basis as they are being utilised as relief camps and accommodation of CAPF or their location are in sensitive areas. The minister said the government has been working to resolve the issues for displaced students.
Out of these 26 closed schools, 18 are from Churachandpur, three from Imphal East, another three from Jiribam and one each from Kangpokpi and Chandel districts, he mentioned adding that there is cent per cent opening of schools in Imphal West.
Nodal officers and volunteers were appointed to facilitate free admissions and provide essential study materials, textbooks, stationery, and uniforms. Identity cards and certificates were issued to all students without any cost, he added.
Almost 15,915 identity cards were issued to the displaced students registered at 347 relief camps till now, out of which 15641 students have been re-admitted to nearby feasible schools, he added. He also said that 98.28 percent of these 15,915 students were given admission free of cost and all facilities provided to overcome bottlenecks in their education.
The education minister further highlighted the CM’s College Students Rehabilitation Scheme 2023, designed to provide free admission, one-time rehabilitation grants, and free smartphones to enable distant learning for displaced college students. To enhance educational outreach, alternative teaching methods have been introduced, he said, informing that an educational TV channel named “Lairk” has been launched on Jio TV, offering free e-learning content. Additionally, AIR Imphal broadcasts a radio drama called “Radio Class,” aligning with the academic curriculum, the minister said.
Minister Basanta also informed about the “LAIRIK” mobile application, available on the play store, offering over 1300 video e-contents.
In an effort to secure supplementary financial support for displaced students, a comprehensive proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Education, Government of India. This proposal includes provisions for tablets, whiteboards, textbooks, notebooks, stationery items, supplementary books, sports equipment, first aid kits, and uniforms, he said.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that education remains a cornerstone for normalisation during these challenging times, emphasizing the importance of educational initiatives for the displaced students’ welfare and future prospects.
