Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 11:
The much awaited May 11 talk between MEELAL, DESAM and the State Govt to resolve the burning issue of implementing Meetei Mayek ended on a positive note with both sides agreeing to a set of formula to introduce the indigenous script from the next academic session.
Speaking to the media straight after the marathon meeting held from 4 pm till 8 pm today, SPF spokesman Gaikhangam said that an understanding has been worked out between MEELAL and the Government and the understanding will be discussed and passed by the Cabinet within a week from today.
The formula worked out will be acceptable to all communities, assured the spokesman but refrained from giving out the details and finer points of the understanding reached.
Since an understanding has been worked out, MEELAL's agitation will continue to be suspended, added Gaikhangam.
Breifing newsmen later in the evening, DESAM general secretary PC Newton said that a broad understanding has been worked out.
Though the demand was to introduce the Mayek from Class I to V, the Govt insisted on limiting it till Class II.
Other than English and Hindi, it was also agreed that all other subjects will be transcribed to Meetei Mayek from the next academic session.
For Meetei Mayek being taught from Class I to Class III currently there will be annual examinations.
It was also agreed that basic Meetei Mayek course would be introduced from Class I till the university level from the next academic session.
To oversee the agreement reached today, a Language Implementation Committee will be constituted and a Language Directorate opened.
MEELAL leader Ch Akaba, who also took part in the meeting informed the media that initially they had demanded introduction of the Mayek from Class I to Class V but it was later agreed to introduce the same from Class I to Class II from the next academic session.
This entails including the Mayek in the annual examination of the students.
To a query, Akaba said that suggestions and formulas were discussed to ensure that the notion of imposing the script on anyone does not arise.
The path to take a consensus formula was discussed.