Memorandum to CM on mass failure of Govt. School Students

Delhi; June 20, 2016 :

NEFIS MEMBERS SUBMIT MEMORANDUM TO MANIPUR CM!
DEMAND RESIGNATION OF EDUCATION MINISTER AND DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION FOR BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR MASS FAILURE OF GOVT.SCHOOL STUDENTS!

The activists of North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) Manipur Unit, today submitted a memorandum to the Manipur Chief Minister regarding the issue of mass failure of government school students in High School Leaving Certificate examinations.

It should be known that 73 of 323 government schools of Manipur have a zero pass percentage in this year’s High School Leaving Certificate (Class X) examination. The results showed that not a single student from the 73 government schools passed the examination. Moreover, it should be noted that only one student each from 28 government schools passed the examination. Of 6,484 students who appeared from 323 government schools, only 2,781 passed the examination conducted by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM), putting the pass percentage figure of government schools at 42.8%.

This is a blatant failure of Manipur Government in enabling students in Government schools who are mostly from deprived backgrounds, to get a decent education. This is especially shocking when compared to those studying in private schools have passed with impressive percentages. The neglect of government schools on which the most marginalized sections of society are dependent is not a new development, but has been a trend even in past years. In 2013, there were 28 government schools with zero pass percentage. The number rose to 48 in 2014 and 70 in 2015.

The government officials rather than seeing this deplorable result as a serious matter to be looked into, are already advancing rough and ready measures of abolishing government schools to pave way for privatization of government-funded education system. What is especially shocking is that instead of taking action against the authorities responsible for students’ failure and improving government schools, reports mention, efforts are on marking these schools for abolition.

The activists have in the memorandum demanded:
1. Immediate resignation of Education Minister and Director of Education, Manipur.
2. Immediate enquiry into the matter and action against the aforementioned authorities.
3. Immediate arrangement of compartment exams for the failed students, so that their academic year is not wasted.
4. Tutorial classes should be provided to the failed students so that they get to prepare properly.
5. Common Education Bill should be passed by the government to ensure that every student gets equal opportunity.
6. Provision should be made of awarding 10% deprivation points to Government School students in Undergraduate Entrance Examinations.

Rigal Chongtham,
Co-ordinator- Manipur Unit,
North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) Email: nefis(DOT)manipur(AT)gmail(DOT)com