Imphal, February 18: The debate among student bodies on Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM) prescribed text books for class I to V refuses to cool off with Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (Desam) and All Manipur Students' Union (Amsu) pledging to foil each others attempt - to bar/implement - the text books.

In separate press statements, both the student bodies have resolved to ensure that all attempts to hinder implement of the text books or any step to promulgate the same books would be faced relentlessly.

While Desam, intent on barring the text books from reaching classrooms, has begun inspection of books store to advise against selling the said books, Amsu, while appealing to all concerned to resist the any step to disrupt normal academic, vowed to face its adversaries with a strong hand.

Without mentioning names, Amsu charged that a student body in connivance with self seeking publishers has embarked on a mission to promote text books already being phased out while Desam strongly opposed implementation of error filled text book prescribed by BSEM from the current session.

Desam taking serious note of a 'student body' trying to exercise its influence on State Government officials to enforce the controversial text books said such an attempt is akin to compromising career of the upcoming generation.

In contrast, Amsu said publication of text books for the current session with errata would be far more beneficial than carrying on with text books previously prescribed that contain certain section where traditional values are undermined and prospect of further accumulation of knowledge very remote.

Desam also claimed that State Government and BSEM officials were already informed against prescribing the flaw infested text books while reiterating its pledge to make an all effort to defeat attempts of its adversaries.

Questioning why a certain student organization is siding with the BSEM and insisting on prescribing the same books inspite of already acknowledging that mistakes had indeed crept in Desam said it neither has grudge against any organization nor does it want to take mileage from the issue.

The main reason for opposing implementation of BSEM's recently prescribed text books is due to concern for the student community especially the young ones and as such under no circumstances would allow teaching the said books, asserted Desam.

It is high time that the student organization, who differs with Desam's ideology, realize that the period had ceased when a single body dictated terms taking advantage of fear psychosis created through coercive methods and forcible exertion of undesired pressure.

Desam also referred for public debate on how the positive changes in the standard of education has come about in the last one or two years while cautioning all concerned to refrain from making baseless allegation with the main objective of maligning the Alliance's image.

Any objection to Desam's endeavor to promote quality education in the State could be discussed threadbare any time and place for which the student body always leaves its door wide open, declared the student body.

Desam said inspection of book stores were conducted at Bishnupur district and Imphal Bazar areas today and stern instruction against selling the said text books failing which appropriate punitive action would be initiated.

Meanwhile, Amsu stating that all attempts to bar the BSEM prescribed text books would be faced adequately also appealed to school authorities and local public to inform Amsu office or volunteers so that speedy action could be taken to foil any sinister designs.

Comparing BSEM text books to those previously enforced in schools, Amsu observed that the present one is far more suitable to upcoming generation inspite of some minor mistake having crept it due to oversight.

While the previous one contained certain section that would mislead the young minds pertaining to culture and tradition and is a reflection of colonialism the recently published books have ample scope for development of mind on the rapidly changing modern society and advancement of science and technology, said Amsu.

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