Dhanamanjuri University’s Existential Crisis: Urgent Plea to Government for Recruitment Results Declaration

The operational efficacy of Dhanamanjuri University in Manipur has been significantly hampered, resembling a state of dormancy, as underscored in a joint press release by the Manipur International Youth Centre, Nupi Union for Peace and Integrity, and Women’s United Development Organisation Manipur. The release points out the university’s struggle, attributing it to a critical shortage of both regular teaching and non-teaching staff.
In contrast, the release acknowledges and commends Manipur CM N Biren Singh’s recent announcement regarding the establishment of a law university, which has garnered widespread acceptance among the people of Manipur. However, amidst this positive development, the release also expresses a sense of lamentation for Dhanamanjuri University. Despite its establishment through the Dhanamanjuri University Act 2017, the institution appears to be in a state of stagnation, echoing concerns about its current functionality and future prospects.
The release disclosed additional challenges faced by Dhanamanjuri University, emphasizing the strain on its constituent colleges, including DMC Science, DMC Arts, DMC Commerce, LMS Law College, and GP Women’s College. The statement pointed out that these colleges have been relying on teaching staff borrowed from other institutions in Manipur, with the faculties extending their responsibilities to include Pre-PhD classes. This arrangement, as quoted in the release, is described as a burden to the teaching staff.
Highlighting the staffing scenario, the release noted, “Of all the employees, the only regular employee of the university is the Vice-Chancellor.” This stark reality, coupled with the engagement of temporary staff, has had a profound impact on the students’ educational experience. The release emphasized that the university, grappling with insufficient staff, struggles to timely announce examination results, further hindering the academic progress of its students.
Continuing the narrative, the release provided insight into the university’s attempts to address its staffing challenges. It conveyed, “The university conducted interviews for the recruitment of 88 Assistant Professors and 169 non-teaching staff, encompassing roles such as Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar, Controller of Examinations, and others, in June 2022. Despite this, the results are still pending.”
Expressing the university’s proactive approach, the release continued, “The University authorities have diligently sought permission from the Department of Personnel to announce the interview results, furnishing all required documents. Regrettably, this effort has yet to yield the desired outcome, as the results remain undisclosed.” This underscores the persistent hurdles hindering the resolution of critical staffing issues at Dhanamanjuri University.
Detailing the longstanding challenges confronting Dhanamanjuri University and its constituent colleges, the release conveyed, “Since its inception, the university has grappled with numerous issues. Beyond the critical shortage of staff, the institution contends with inadequacies in classrooms, laboratories, library facilities, and even the condition of university roads, which are mired in mud. Notably, NET and JRF qualified students have opted to depart for other universities to pursue their Ph.D.”
The release, jointly endorsed by the three concerned groups, earnestly appealed to the government. It stated, “In light of these pressing issues, the release implores the government to promptly declare the results of the conducted interviews, thereby safeguarding the futures of the youth. The question posed is poignant: ‘Why isn’t the government intervening to protect the aspirations of the youth, given the current challenging conditions?’”
Concluding the joint press statement, it asserted, “Should the government decline the responsibility of rectifying the university’s challenges, it risks facing blacklisting and derecognition. The Education department must prioritize the delivery of quality education for the robust future of both the students and the state.”
The release continued its plea, urging the government to promptly announce the results of the recruitment for 88 Assistant Professors and 169 non-teaching staff, emphasizing, “This is essential to safeguard the future of the students.”
In a final appeal, the release implored, “Given the current dire situation of the university, we beseech the Chancellor of the varsity, Manipur’s Governor, Manipur Chief Minister, and Education Minister to intervene and salvage the university.”
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the release further appealed, “Given the present condition of the university, we earnestly request the Manipur High Court and Manipur State Human Rights Commission to consider taking up a suo-moto case if deemed appropriate.” This comprehensive appeal underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation at Dhanamanjuri University, seeking intervention at multiple levels for its revival and the well-being of its students.