Education Minister M. Okendro received appreciation continuously for two days one for declaring release of pending pays of all the Government teachers and another for establishing separate directorate for Manipuri language. Earlier he had received kudos for saying within three years Government schools will be in competition with the private schools. The students who receive home support go to private schools and those who have nothing go to Government schools. The difference has to be there. Young students pursuing education without having anything cannot be expected to do well in his pursuit. Moreover Government teachers neglect their duties. They draw pay without teaching students. There are large numbers of teachers in every locality, who get pay without going to schools. When the Minister said the Government schools will be in competition with the private schools he must be having some ideas as to how these shirking teachers could be utilised in their job. The entire people will be with him when he attempts to streamline the functioning of the Government schools. Because poor parents cannot afford the luxury of sending their young children to the costly private schools. School education has been heavily commercialised. Owners have become millionaires. Manipur is a funny state even the very poor family sends their children to the private schools. The government decision to release pending pays was soothing to the ears of the teachers. This morning they talked about the pay only. Was he speaking for the sake of speaking, they ask each other. Okendro is different he takes up ministerial job with a conviction and commitment to change the department he has taken care of. Establishment of Manipuri language directorate has happened during his time. The previous Ministers wasted precious time least bothering about the language, which got the berth it deserved in the Indian constitution 20 years back. When Manipuri was included in the 8th schedule during Narasimha Rao period in 1992 Manipuris had upbeat mood hoping the language would be developed at a fast pace. But it remained stagnant. The question was asked why the change was not taking place. Now we have known and we have found the answer. We are not doing anything for the development of our language. The establishment of the separate directorate will pave way for speedy development of not only Manipuri language but also all the major tribal dialects spoken in Manipur. Financial aid can be extended to do research on Manipuri language. Writers can be given assistance to write more biographies of the great personalities born and brought up in Manipur. It will be interesting to read biographies of noted comedians, Oinam Babu, Chaoba and Mayang Imphal Tombi. The state had produced great politicians. Their biographies will also be interesting to read. Similarly the books written on king of melody Pahari and Khun Joykumar will be prized addition to the book case. Minister Okendro deserves appreciation from all for making bold decision to bring a change in certain sector, which was kept neglected for prolonged period of time. Manning education department is a challenging job. Go for fulfilment of the mission without wavering. Because a mission cannot fail. You will succeed.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/appreciation-galore/
