The Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF) has expressed serious concern over the shortage of lecturers in newly upgraded higher secondary schools, alleging that the lack of teaching staff reflects the state government’s failure to adequately strengthen the institutions despite upgrading their status.
Speaking at a press briefing following an inspection conducted today, MSF Vice-President Ayekpam Jimba Meitei said the federation inspected Oinam Higher Secondary School in Bishnupur district and Khonghampat Higher Secondary School in Imphal West district. Both schools are among the 19 high schools upgraded to higher secondary schools by the Manipur Government in 2021.
According to the MSF, both schools have commenced higher secondary classes, but they continue to face an acute shortage of lecturers. During the inspection, the federation found that Oinam Higher Secondary School has only five lecturers despite having around 700 higher secondary students. The school also has 20 teachers serving from the primary to high school levels, who are reportedly assisting in conducting higher secondary classes due to the shortage of lecturers.
Similarly, Khonghampat Higher Secondary School was found to have only six lecturers, while 18 teachers from the primary to high school sections are supporting academic activities.
The federation questioned whether the government intended to run higher secondary schools with such inadequate staffing, stating that institutions with hundreds of students cannot function effectively without the required number of subject lecturers. It urged the government to immediately appoint adequate lecturers to both schools to ensure quality education for students.
The MSF further alleged that although the government upgraded 19 high schools to higher secondary level in 2021, it has failed to provide the necessary teaching staff and infrastructure required for their proper functioning.
The federation also criticised the functioning of the Zonal Education Offices (ZEOs), alleging that they have failed to properly monitor the condition of schools under their jurisdiction. It questioned how schools could continue operating with such severe staff shortages without timely intervention by the authorities.
The MSF urged the state government and the Education Department to take immediate corrective measures by filling vacant lecturer posts and ensuring that all upgraded higher secondary schools are provided with adequate manpower and facilities to function effectively.