Imphal, November 19: Despite All Naga Students' Association Manipur prohibiting learning of Meetei Mayek text books in hill district schools, Meetei and Roman script text books that are to be introduced for Classes I and II from the next academic sessions were released at the premises of Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM), today.

Education minister Francis Ngajokpa speaking as chief guest of the text book release function said the two books to replace Bengali script texts, are kept open for any students to choose for study.

He lauded the Board officials and others for bringing out the books on time well ahead of the next academic session that probably starts in February in the State.

Stating that many a students have gone outside to pursue studies thereby virtually emptying the State coffers the minister called upon responsible officials in the education sector to extend cooperation in promoting value based education to not only ensure Manipuri students study in the State but also to attract students from other States.

To streamline the education system and maintain academic calendar in the state, the minister also prevailed upon officials of BSEM and Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur among others to complete examination processes in time.

�The examination systems in terms of setting questions and awarding of marks for both class X and XII should be at par with the all India pattern so that our brilliant students can get admission to other good institutions and compete with their counterparts�, Ngajokpa said adding �Let us be accountable and responsible for grooming our students, who are the future pillars of the nation�.

The decision to introduce the indigenous script was taken by the state government following a series of agitation launched by Meetei Eyek Erol Lona-shillon Apunba Lup (Meelal).

Besides burning numerous Bengali texts books, the state central library was also set ablaze by Meelal activists.

Meelal president Chingsubam Akaba termed the book release as a red-letter day.

�Now the new generation would study and adapt to our own script after prolong suppression�.

Stating that there has been some misunderstanding pertaining to the upcoming introduction of the new texts Akaba said "everything would be sorted out amicably through negotiation".

The hill-valley tie would be strengthening with the introduction of the indigenous script, he said.

The script supremo and applauded all concerned involved in transcription and other minute details in bringing out the text books.

BSEM secretary Sharat Sharma said besides the indigenous script, the board would also introduce listening and speaking of English course in Classes I and II from the next session.

As an act of compliance with the recent Supreme Court�s verdict the board would introduce environmental studies from Classes to X very soon, he said.

RK Angousana, commissioner of schools education presided over the function.

Many prominent academicians of the state attended it.

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