Imphal, May 19: Opposition members expressed strong discontentment over the exclusion of teaching method of Manipuri language in the syllabus of Bachelor of Education (BEd).

RK Anand Singh and I Ibohalbi Singh of the MPP raised the matter in a call attention motion in the assembly session today.

Quoting reports Anand said Manipur Universitynow a central varsity had recently changed the B Ed syllabus to the effect that the method of teaching Manipuri (Lol) language, a 100 mark paper in the syllabus be written in English in the examination from the current academic session.

"It is a challenge to our language which has also been included in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution," he said adding that such change of language was not done since the last fifty years.

"Manipuri, the first language or Major Indian language (MIL) should be taught and written in Manipuri language and not by other languages.

It carries no meaning when Manipuri language paper is written in English in examination," he fumed.

It has created confusion to both the students and teachers, Anand said while urging the government to act accordingly to clear the confusion.

Ibohalbi said UGC guidelines do not mention about such change and hence the decision taken by MU council should be reviewed.

No university of other states adopt such changes, he said.

In his reply chief minister O Ibobi Singh said if the matter stand to hurt sentiments of the people and the society his government would urge upon the MU's academic council to effect change of language in the syllabus.

He said on October 14 last the MU academic council approved such paper in the syllabus and the same is being implemented from the current session.

Having noticed the matter, all principals of B Ed colleges held a meeting and students of DM College of teachers' education approached MU authorities seeking for a change but the varsity authorities rejected it, the CM said.

Other papers incorporating the first language (Manipuri language) are there in the B Ed syllabus as optional subjects, the CM said adding that there is also practice of teaching in Manipuri language.

MLAs O Joy Singh and N Bijoy Singh of the MPP also supported the move.

Bijoy Singh, who was himself a Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, suggested that changing of such syllabus would not be an uphill task.

The academic council can easily take its decision on the matter.

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