Volunteers of the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) staged a protest rally this afternoon, demanding the full implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the state. The rally began from the student body’s office at Sega Road and was headed towards Raj Bhavan.
Holding placards and raising slogans, the student protestors were, however, stopped by a team of state police at Keishampat Bridge. Following a brief standoff, the police permitted a few selected representatives of DESAM to proceed and meet the concerned government authorities after obtaining approval from higher officials.
Speaking to media persons, DESAM President M. Somorjit expressed serious concerns over the state government’s failure to fully implement the NEP 2020. He pointed out that students currently appearing for their 6th Semester undergraduate examinations—scheduled from June 13—are facing uncertainty about the continuation of their academic programmes due to the absence of syllabi and guidelines for the 7th and 8th Semesters.
He highlighted that although the NEP was partially introduced in Manipur during the 2022–23 academic session, the government has not yet announced the curriculum or the institutions where the extended semesters under the new four-year undergraduate structure will be conducted. “It is unclear whether NEP 2020 is actually being implemented or not. The government must make its stand clear,” Somorjit stated.
DESAM further alleged that despite repeatedly submitting memorandums to the Director and Commissioner of the Education Department, no concrete steps have been taken. The student body urged the government to make an immediate and clear announcement to safeguard the academic future of the students.