IT News
Imphal, Dec 16:
The All Manipur Students Guardians Organisation (AMSGO) has accused the Manipur government of irregularities and mismanagement in the appointment of the Chairman of the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM), leading to a major administrative crisis.
According to a statement issued by AMSGO General Secretary Sumati Sougrakpam, Joint Secretary of Education (Schools), Elangbam Soniya, issued a notification on October 24, 2024, to appoint a new chairman as the tenure of the outgoing chairman, Akham Joykumar, was set to end on November 11, 2024. The notification set November 24, 2024, as the last date for applications, prompting many eligible candidates to apply with valid documents.
Despite this, the government delayed the appointment process, leaving the position in limbo. Adding to the controversy, on December 6, 2024, Elangbam Soniya issued an order reappointing Akham Joykumar as chairman on deputation, bypassing government rules. AMSGO alleged that the reappointment was made without securing the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) and release order from Joykumar’s parent department, as required by deputation rules.
The decision sparked protests among BOSEM staff, who launched a pen-down strike, calling the appointment a violation of BOSEM’s Act and Rules. The situation worsened when the government deployed a large contingent of CRPF personnel at the BOSEM office to maintain order—a first in the state’s history, according to AMSGO.
Student organizations, including DESAM, have also expressed strong opposition, warning the government not to reappoint Akham Joykumar. They voiced concerns about the lack of leadership at BOSEM, especially with the Class X public examinations fast approaching.
AMSGO criticized the government for failing to address the issue, stating that the deployment of security forces was unnecessary and counterproductive. “The government should focus on finding an amicable solution instead of escalating tensions,” said Sougrakpam. She warned that continued inaction could jeopardize the future of thousands of students.
The organization also accused the government of having a “hidden agenda” or succumbing to vested interests in allowing such irregularities. AMSGO has called on the Chief Minister and Education Minister to intervene urgently to protect the interests of students and ensure the proper functioning of BOSEM.
“If the government remains silent, the agitation will intensify, and the responsibility for any adverse impact on students’ careers will fall squarely on the authorities,” Sougrakpam added.
With the Class X examinations just around the corner, stakeholders have urged the government to resolve the crisis promptly to avoid further disruptions. Parents and guardians have also threatened to join the agitation if the issue is not addressed immediately.
