Manipur Cabinet Approves Recruitment of 436 Assistant Professors

Last Updated on October 27, 2023 by SPN Editor

Imphal/ October 27, 2023 (SPN) | In a move aimed at enhancing the education sector in the State, the Manipur cabinet has approved the recruitment of 436 assistant professors to fill the existing teacher vacancies in government colleges.

The shortage of educators, particularly in government colleges, has been a pressing issue, prompting the Manipur Cabinet’s decision to recruit 436 assistant professors through the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC). This endeavor is geared towards ensuring quality education and addressing the shortfall.

The Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar Singh revealed about the Manipur cabinet decision during an announcement at the DIPR auditorium. He also announced significant measures to address teacher shortages in government colleges and support students displaced due to a crisis.

Regarding the delay in the declaration of results for the recruitment of 190 assistant professors on a contract basis, which had already undergone a Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) process, the Minister clarified that these posts would now be filled through MPSC, adhering to specific rules and guidelines. He emphasized the importance of proper DPC procedures and MPSC in ensuring the welfare of students and future generations.

Furthermore, Minister Th Basanta Kumar highlighted the government’s efforts to assist displaced students who faced challenges during a crisis that erupted on May 3.

Approximately 98.28% of these displaced students have been admitted to nearby schools and colleges at no cost. To support their education and streamline the curriculum, the Manipur Cabinet also intends to cease the “No School Bag Day” initiative and hold classes on Saturdays. Winter vacation will also be shortened to enhance educational continuity.

Basanta Kumar stated that classes for students in grades 1 to 8 resumed on July 5, while higher classes recommenced on August 10, with an attendance rate of 77% as of October 23. Additionally, identity cards have been issued to displaced students, and both the Board of Secondary Education of Manipur and the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur are collaborating to retrieve documents and certificates that were damaged during the crisis.

The Manipur government is also actively considering the restoration of mobile internet services, aiming to implement it soon, following consultations with security agencies. To address the educational needs of the displaced students, an educational TV channel named ‘Lairik’ has been launched on Jio TV, offering free e-learning content. A radio play, ‘Radio Class,’ based on the academic curriculum, is broadcast by AIR, Imphal. Moreover, a mobile app called ‘LAIRIK’ is available on the Play Store, providing over 1300 video e-content.

To further support displaced students, the government has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Education, outlining provisions for tablets, whiteboards, textbooks, notebooks, stationery items, supplementary books, sports equipment, first-aid kits, and uniforms.

The government is committed to resolving issues related to admission and rehabilitation for displaced students, and only 26 out of 4617 schools in Manipur remain closed, primarily due to their utilization as relief camps, accommodation for CAPF personnel, or their location in sensitive areas.

The government’s comprehensive approach to education seeks to ensure the academic well-being of all students in Manipur. The Commissioner of Education, H Gyan Prakash, along with other officials, attended the press conference to provide insights into the government’s educational initiatives and plans for the future.