Jiribam, February 10: As in other parts of the State, private educational institutions are prospering day by day at the cost of Government schools in Jiribam sub-division too.

Though the Government schools in Imphal and other districts including Jiribam sub-division have been deteriorating equally, the downfall of Government schools in Jiribam sub-division is largely a result of shortage in teaching staff unlike Imphal where there is adequate number of teachers.

According to Assistant Inspector of Schools, Jiribam CH Sonamani, shortage of teachers in Government schools is the most serious factor jeopardising school education in the sub-division.

Under such sorry state of affairs, private schools are prospering at the cost of Government schools, particularly in municipal and urban areas.

It may sound strange but it is a fact that there are more than ten Government schools in the sub-division without a single teacher.

These schools are functioning with the voluntary efforts of the local people, disclosed the AI.

As per the reports available from the office of Zonal Education Officer, Jiribam, there is one Government aided college (Jiri College), one secondary school (Jiribam Higher Secondary School), six high schools, six junior high schools and 26 lower primary schools in the sub-division.

Amidst these ailing Government schools, three recognised private high schools and three junior high schools have sprang up.

In addition, there are 10 junior high schools seeking Government recognition.

Moreover, there are around 7000 students enrolled in Government educational institutions in the sub-division at present.

But it is of grave concern that they are not getting proper education which will have serious implications to the State as whole in future.

Commenting on the academic atmosphere or absence of it in Jiribam, one K Philip, a Principal of a private high school observed that the environment of Jiribam is not suitable for education as there is no spirit of competition in the field of education among the students.

With most of the guardians illiterate, there is very few people who can guide students in their study.

Absence of proper environment for education has also been compelling some fortunate students to go to Shillong, Guwahati and other parts of the country for their study.

Another educationist rued that establishment of educational institutions has become a sort of business venture.

He observed that the growing number of private schools in Jiribam sub-division is not proportionate with its small population.

He rather suggested lesser number of quality institutions.

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