Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Maharaj Leishemba Sanajaoba has urged the Union government to include Meitei Mayek in the question paper of the Manipuri optional subject in the Union Public Service Commission examinations. He raised the issue during Zero Hour in the ongoing Rajya Sabha session.
Speaking in Parliament, Sanajaoba pointed out that the UPSC currently sets the Manipuri optional paper only in Bengali script. Although candidates are permitted to write their answers either in Bengali script or Meitei Mayek, the question paper itself is printed exclusively in Bengali script, creating difficulties for many aspirants.
The MP stated that for nearly 20 years, educational institutions across Manipur, including schools, colleges and universities, have adopted Meitei Mayek as the primary script, replacing Bengali script. As a result, a large number of candidates are no longer proficient in reading Bengali script, putting them at a disadvantage during the examination.
He termed the practice unfair and discriminatory, noting that candidates are compelled to interpret questions in a script unfamiliar to them. Sanajaoba argued that, as in the case of other language papers printed in multiple scripts, the Manipuri optional paper should also be made available in both Bengali script and Meitei Mayek.
He said such a move would uphold the spirit of the Indian Constitution, which recognises linguistic diversity, and would enhance fairness and inclusivity in the UPSC examination system. The MP urged the UPSC and concerned authorities to take immediate steps to address the issue in the interest of Manipuri candidates.