Imphal, June 09: Even as the Higher Secondary part time lecturers are continuing their agitation demanding their service extension and payment of basic minimum pay, the Government conducted an in-depth survey on student-teachers ratio among other things in all the 43 Govt Higher Secondary Schools.

The survey was conducted by the Director (School Education) and the report of the same has been placed before the Govt, School Education Minister Y Mani Singh told The Sangai Express.

As per the report, many Higher Secondary schools, mostly located in the far flung areas have less number of students (Class XI and XII) when compared to the huge number of teachers.

Elaborating, the Minister said Thanga Higher Secondary School, Ch Iboyaima Higher Secondary School, Wangkhei Girls Hr Sec School, Phadang Hr Sec School, Lamlai Hr Sec School, Praja Hr Sec among others have the least number of students with some having not more than five students.

Even though these schools have large number of teachers, most of the students of these schools could not clear the recent 12 class examination, he added.

Faced with such an acute unbalanced students-teachers ratio, the Govt may degrade these institutions to high school level, however the matter would be discussed at length by the Cabinet, Mani said adding that such survey report is ready for tabling before the SPF Cabinet.

On being asked what would be the fate of the part time lecturers if such schools are degraded, the Minister evasively countered with �what purpose would the part timers serve when there are no students to teach?� However the Government may sort out alternative arrangements for them if necessary, Mani said adding that the Govt is fully aware of the ongoing stir launched by the part time lecturers.

Commenting on the demands of ATSUM, the Minister stated that Govt would make all necessary efforts to meet their demands.

Comment