Volunteers of the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) today locked the offices of the DM College of Teacher Education (DMCTE) and the Hindi Teacher Training College, protesting the prolonged vacancy of teaching and administrative positions.
Speaking to reporters, DESAM Secretary General Nongthombam Thoithoiba said the DMCTE, established to train qualified teachers for the state, currently has only 14 faculty members against the sanctioned strength of 32. The college has been functioning under an in-charge principal for a long time, raising doubts about accountability in case of any crisis. “Who will be responsible for the students and stakeholders if anything goes wrong?” Thoithoiba asked.
DESAM demanded the immediate appointment of a regular principal and filling of all vacant teaching posts. The group also called for the return of faculty members temporarily deployed to other institutions within 24 hours. DESAM warned that failure to comply would hold the Commissioner and Director of Education (U) fully responsible for any consequences.
The Hindi Teacher Training College, similarly run by an in-charge principal with mostly guest faculty, faces the same issues. DESAM reiterated its demand for regular appointments of teachers and principal, cautioning that the state government would be held accountable if action is not taken promptly.