Imphal, Aug 06: Capping off its 60 years of glorious existence, DM College of Imphal has begun its two day long diamond jubilee celebration from today.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Education Minister L Nandakumar attended the inaugural function of the celebration held at the central hall of the college as chief guest and president respectively.

Commerce and Industries Minister N Mangi, Power Minister Francis Ngajokpa, Commissioner of Higher Technical Education P Bhorot and noted writer MK Binodini were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister wondered who had granted the land for setting up AMSU office inside the campus of an academic institution like DM College, without thinking about the consequences and said the office building of AMSU located inside the college campus should be shifted to another suitable site.

Apart from asking AMSU to look out for another site for its office and handed over the plot to the DM College Students' Union, the Chief Minister maintained the THAU sports complex should also be handed over to the college authority.

Expansion of the area of the Khunthok Hanbi Lairembi is not appreciable, he added.

The Chief Minister, however, noted that the Govt offices located inside the DM College campus would be shifted to some other sites after a proper planning.

Expressing concerned over dwindling in the number of students seeking admission in the colleges, the Chief Minister said it is unfortunate.

Nonetheless, he went on to say that it is big headache for the Government to ensure jobs to all the educated youths.

Speaking on the issue of aided colleges, the Chief Minister charged that the managing committees of the colleges concerned have appointed excess number of teachers on the sly over and above undue pressures being given for conversion of the colleges as Government institutes.

He also flayed the underground organisations for extorting money not only from the Government employees but also even from Pan Dukhans.

This is a fact, but no one dare to speak up out of fear, he added.

He further informed that no one has responded to the tender bid for construction of Purana Bazar (Ima Keithel) as underground activists are demanding crores and crores of rupees.

Power Minister Francis Ngajokpa said teachers are taking advantage of the agitation of the students against transfer of teachers.

Everyone has the rights to demand, but they should not forget their own responsibility, he added.

Exodus of Manipuri students for higher studies outside the State and their unwillingness to return back has also resulted in brain drain, he expressed concern.

Commerce and Industries Minister noted that many of the products of the DM College are now holding important posts of the Government.

In his presidential address, Education Minister L Nandakumar assured that the hall of the college would be repaired and asked the students not to allow any person to interference in the developmental activities of the college.

The dignitaries who graced the inaugural function of the diamond jubilee celebration also presented gifts to those who passed out from the college first of all.

A one-minute silence was also observed as mark of respect to all the students and the teachers of the college who are no more.

Earlier, chief guest, president and guests of honour led the students and staff of the college in offering floral tributes to the statue of Maharani Dhanamanjuri in whose name the college had been established apart from releasing a souvenir at the occasion.

The closing day function of the celebration tomorrow would be attended by MLA M Nara Singh, MLA Th Tomba and Information Minister TN Haokip as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.

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