Monday, June 9, 2008

THE SANCTITY OF STUDENT UNIONS

T.Gouzadou,
Ex-Minister.

The main aim of student unions ought to be to get good education for Improvement morally, intellectually and physically to enable students to become good citizens of the country. To demand Sixth schedule, Union Territory, Removal of AFSPA, interference in the district administration and so on are all for the politicians and Involvement of student unions in politics reduces the sanctity of student unions. In like manner, negligence of duty on the part of teachers of government schools and colleges is a big crime against humanity and a moral sin - against God.

Before Independent, there were a few government schools in Manipur, and every government school, was good. Students of government schools were proud of their school s, and the general public also had high opinion of them. By that time the name of student unions was not heard. After Independence, the number of government schools was increasing gradually, but most unfortunately the quality of government schools in hill districts has gone down to such extent even poor people prefer private schools to government schools. Before 1947, there was a government Upper Primary school at Thanlon. This school was one of the best school in Manipur, Mr. R.G. Mengies, the last European S.D.O, of TamengIong, who visited Thanlon School on 22-3-46, mentioned the following words in his inspection note: "I am more than pleased with the teaching staff and examination results so far obtained by pupils of this school is sufficient proof of their ability and interest in the work. After 1947, Thanlon School was upgraded gradually and in course of time it become a full-fledged high school. Today the teaching staff of Thanlon Government school may not be traceable at Thanlon The same is with most of government schools, and schools under district council in hill districts of Manipur. We have not seen any student union to raise their prayer for revival of government schools or action against the teaching staff who are not traceable at schools.

Any man of good will asks these questions why do the government schools in Manipur remain in such pitiable condition ? Are Ministers and M.L.A's happy with the poor standard of govererment schools? Do student unions forget that their main aim is to acquire good education ? Have the student unions been engaged in activities other than activities for welfare of students ? Who has the courage to say that it is not desireable that students will be influenced by the political parties. Actual, in other states students are used to welcome the high dignitary who visit the state capital. But here in Manipur studentss,are becoming the tool of tainted politicians It will always be our,consolation if the students of our state could maintain sanctity of student unions for success in life.

T.Gouzadou,
Ex- Minister

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