Schools in Muslim areas suffer Govt apathy
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 28 2013: Inspite of the oft-repeated 'education for all' slogan by the Government, a random inspection of primary and high-school level schools in Muslim dominated areas of two assembly constituencies clearly suggest absence of Government attention to ensure even the most basic infrastruc-ture.

Accompanied by a team of media persons, volunteers of Manipur Muslim Welfare Association (MMWA) inspected some schools in Muslim areas of Mayang imphal and Wabagai ACs today.

Located in both Thoubal and Imphal West districts, the schools covered in today's inspection campaign include Santhel Mamang Government Junior High School, Hanool Primary Madrassa (Hangool), Bengoon Primary School and Nastao Primary Madrassa (Uchiwa Awang Leikai) .

In a unique case, Khela-khong Primary School, Uchiwa was found to be functioning today contrary to local residents claiming that the institution remained shut for the last six years.

In the case of Santhel Mamang Govt Jr HS, having classes I to VIII, class was found conducted from I to V standards with a total of about 28 students in attendance.

However, the higher sections (Cl VI-VIII) were technically defunct with not a single student seeking admission in the school, which reportedly has nine teaching staff.

The walls and classrooms were also found in the most pathetic condition.

While Hanool Primary Madrassa was found shut during school hour, some portion of the wall of a newly constructed SSA building crumbled when a local involuntarily leaned against it.

for bengoon Primary School (Salamat Bazar), number of students and unfinished class room construction were found to be the main problem.

With over 100 students in class I to V standards, classes are being conducted at only two rooms by same number of teachers in the nearby Bengoon High School.

According to a teacher, the classroom construction was supposed to have been completed by 2010 but repeated appeals to the ZEO concerned had not been able to evoke the desired result.

Regarding Uchiwa Nastao Primary Madrassa having classes I to V, benches and desks had to be burrowed from the local mosque to ensure about 150 students are not deprived of basic education.

With only two teaching staff members in hand, the headmaster is said to be engaging two teachers by sharing a part of his salary.

According to MMWA president Abdulla Pathan, head-masters or head-masters in-charge of all the schools inspected today were intimated for a discussion to sort out relevant problems.

While some obliged the meeting call, headmaster Abdul noor of Khelakhong Primary School misled the local police that MMWA functionaries are acting at the behest of armed outfits, Pathan alleged while claiming that they threatened arrest.

Along with demanding that school authorities ensure regular classes at their respective institutions, he also cautioned that MMWA might resort to intense agitation in case Government of Manipur continues to neglect these schools.

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