IT News
Imphal, Nov 5:
In Manipur, three state universities—Dhanamanjuri University (DMU), Manipur University of Culture, and Manipur Technical University are yet to become fully operational institutions with a cohesive structure. Of these, DMU is seen as having the most potential, with 15,000 students currently enrolled. However, there are concerns about the university’s ability to fulfill its potential without a capable Vice-Chancellor to oversee a comprehensive restructuring, according to the Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC). The MIYC has expressed concern over the university’s lack of recognition by the University Grants Commission (UGC), highlighting the urgent need for academic and intellectual communities, as well as the state government, to address this issue.
DMU was established in response to a 2017 call in the Manipur Assembly to create a university, beginning its first academic session in 2018. Despite this, it has yet to receive the UGC’s 12B recognition, which is essential for the university to offer degrees that are officially recognized. The delay in receiving this recognition has hindered the university’s ability to secure funding for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, affecting the university’s ability to maintain academic calendars and conduct examinations. This has disrupted students’ academic progress and created uncertainty about their future prospects.
Incorporated as a university in 2017, DMU includes five constituent colleges: DM College of Arts, DM College of Science, DM College of Commerce, GP Women’s College, and LMS Law College. Faculty members from these colleges, as well as new appointees, now serve as instructors at the university. However, administrative responsibilities remain split between the university’s dean and the individual college principals, resulting in a fragmented governance structure. The UGC has urged DMU to address issues related to land, infrastructure, equipment, and manpower in order to meet the requirements for 12B accreditation.
The university also lacks essential administrative bodies such as the Executive Council, Syndicate, Finance, and Academic Councils, as well as a Research Committee. These bodies are crucial to the university’s functioning but have yet to be effectively established. The DMU Act of 2017 also leaves several governance issues unresolved, and the university continues to struggle with inadequate infrastructure. Faculty members report shortages in classrooms, seating, and tables, all of which are necessary to meet UGC guidelines.
The university’s examination process is another point of contention, with many students complaining of delays and an insufficient administrative workforce to manage the process. As a result, students have called for compensation for the time lost due to these disruptions. The MIYC has urged key stakeholders, including the Chancellor (Governor), Chief Minister, and Education Minister, to recognize DMU as a critical institution for Manipur’s development, similar to universities worldwide, where education remains a vital sector for progress.
The MIYC has called for urgent financial support to address these challenges and stressed the need for the appointment of a permanent Vice-Chancellor and qualified staff. According to the MIYC, these steps are essential for DMU to better serve its students and fulfill its educational mission.
