Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the inaugural function of a three-day workshop on “Reforms in School Education of Manipur: An Approach to Implementation, Challenges and Opportunities of NEP-2020” today. The workshop was organised by Vidya Bharati Shiksha Vikash Samiti, Manipur, at the City Convention Centre, Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion, Khemchand Singh quoted Nelson Mandela on the importance of education and said that education is one of the most powerful tools to change the world.
He highlighted that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 lays down the responsibilities of the education sector to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. Khemchand Singh also stated that teaching in a child’s mother tongue as the medium of instruction up to Class V would help students learn more effectively and at a faster pace. He expressed hope that the workshop would help in achieving the objectives of NEP 2020.
The Chief Minister further said that due to the current law and order situation in the State, the summer vacation had been reduced from three weeks to one week. He noted that the normal functioning of educational institutions and government offices were disrupted for nearly a month after the Tronglaobi incident. As a result, Saturdays were declared as working days for all government departments to make up for the lost time. He added that Saturdays would be again made as holiday once the pending work are completed.
On the successful implementation of NEP 2020, the Chief Minister said that everyone is equally responsible and the duty should not be left to the government alone. He said that NEP 2020 can be implemented successfully only when the government, employees and people work together with strong determination.
Delivering his speech, Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, (Chief Secretary, Manipur) said that India aims to become a fully developed nation by the 100th year of its Independence, guided by the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said that the National Education Policy 2020 is a key driver in this journey, with teachers and education stakeholders playing a major role in shaping the nation’s future.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Ganga Prasad Prasain, President of Vidya Bharati Purvottar Kshetra said that from Class VI onwards, students should be introduced to skill development and vocational courses along with regular academic subjects.
The aim is to give them practical skills and improve their chances of self-employment in the future.
The function was attended by Sapam Nishikant Singh, MLA of Keishamthong; Prof. W. Chandbabu Singh, Vice Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University; Prof. P. Gunindro, Vice Chancellor of Manipur University of Culture; Ningthoujam Geoffrey, Commissioner for Higher and Technical Education along with professors and teachers, among others.
