Imphal, Jul 11: The issue related to the agitation of ANSAM to adopt text books prescribed by Nagaland Board in the private schools of the four hill districts of Manipur is likely to be the focal point of discussion during the 4th zonal meeting of the North East Zone of Council and Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) scheduled to be held at Guwahati on July 14 and 15.According to an official source, the 4th zonal meeting of North East Zone of CBSE has been convened jointly by Board of Secondary Education Assam and Assam Higher Secondary Education Council in the backdrop of the agitation being launched in the hill districts of Manipur to adopt text books prescribed by Nagaland Board and subsequent burning of text books prescribed by Manipur Board.

Apart from discussions matter related to the functioning of the National Institute of Open School (NIOS) in the North East region, the meeting would deliberate on the agitation of ANSAM, the official source said, adding that the same has been communicated to the BSEM and COHSEM by the zonal convenor of COBSE and chairman of Nagaland Board Mini Meru.

The Secretaries and the Deputy Secretaries of Manipur Board and Council would be participating in the meeting, the official source said, adding that whatever resolutions taken during the zonal meeting would be put up for discussion at the National level meeting to be held at New Delhi.

While pointing out that the Nagaland Board Act clearly mentions that its curriculum/syllabus cannot be prescribed in other States, the source disclosed that strong objection would be raised from the side of Manipur Board in case the Nagaland Board officials contended that there is no objection in prescribing it text books in schools of other States during the meeting.

Despite holding a meeting with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in the chair to discuss the issue raised by ANSAM, the State Govt has not been able to take a definite decision on the issue nor taken up any concrete measures to contain the problem.

According to information received from BSEM, there are in all 56 private schools affiliated to the Board in Senapari district, 19 each in Ukhrul and Chandel district and another 15 in Tamenglong district.

In wake of the ANSAM's agitation, around 80 students from private schools in Ukhrul have sought transmigration to the Government Schools so far, the source said, adding that the number of private school students in Senapati district who have transmigrated to the Government schools is around 4/5 so far.

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