An urgent call to look in the function of COHSEM
- Imphal Times Editorial :: December 08 2017 -

The passing of Manipur Higher Secondary Education Act, 1992 for establishment of an autonomous body call Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM) to separate the conduct of examination for Class XII which later includes conduct of examination for class XI should could be considered a far sighted vision of the then government for shaping the career of the students in the state.

However, in 1990 and 1991 there was a strong protest from student groups opposing the idea on the ground that the new proposal may turn out to be another gold mine for those in power instead of fostering the academic career of students.

Since its establishment, COHSEM has been facing many kinds of allegations over practice of irregularities by those running the COHSEM form sections of employees working in the autonomous bodies as well as from various students’ body.

Allegations of back door appointment under the discretionary power of the Chairman and Secretary who were appointed on deputations from among those who fulfilled criteria by respective government from time to time had been alleged many times.

Any allegations which relates with the administration will directly affect to the smooth functioning of the body which will ultimately affect to the career of the students.

The purpose of setting up COHSEM will have no value if its purpose of fostering the quality of students fails to improve.

After all Class XII is a turning point for all students.

This is the stage that students use to shape their future.

Almost all people with few academic backgrounds know that the COHSEM runs from its own resource.

It does not depend to the government for running its office.

So from time to time it formulates certain rules and regulation for collection of revenue in the form of fees for examination or for registration of students.

Well the examination section is well appreciated by most people as it is being conducted in a very organized manner.

Not many intellectuals have so far comes up about the syllabus issues.

Perhaps this is because the syllabus sections of the COHSEM too is doing well or the intellectuals or watch dog community are not well aware of the kind of syllabus being provided now compatible with those provided at other boards in other state.

But each time a new Chairman or Secretary is appointed people in the state sees some disappointments from sections of people either it may be from the student communities or teachers community.

Assumed it as political issues, but when it is about violation of rules and regulations to the appointment of staffs for the Council, it is a serious matter.

Well this time, the Council is being charged of appointing some 38 employees by violating the guidelines for appointment of staffs (may be in contract basis).

The increase of staffs in the Council means needs for revenue from the students as it is run by revenue from them.

The previous day Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) had warned of serious consequences if the Council Authority fails to check the collection of form fill-up fees from students who are appearing the class XII examination.

As per a report, some Higher Secondary School are charging more money than prescribed by the Council at the school own capacity.

If these practices are not checked then people have reason to believe that those schools charging more fees from the students have understanding with the authority of the COHSEM.

When the term “understanding’ is coined it is well known to everyone what would have been the condition.

The state Education department needs seriousness to deal with what has been reported and find out the happening in the running of the COHSEM.

Or else the apprehension that the students of 1990s felt at the time for proposal of setting up the office will prove true.