Manipur School reopens After two months, but fails to collect parental support, A low attendance is recorded.

KalimNews, Imphal, 5 July 2023 : The Manipur government’s initiative to reopen education institutions for students from classes 1 to 8 faced a setback as parents and students expressed apprehension, resulting in a significant drop in attendance on the first day. Many schools in Imphal reported alarmingly low turnout as parents refrained from sending their children to school due to the persisting violence in the Manipur. The resumption of normal classes for all the 4617 schools in the state of Manipur is expected, but 96 schools are currently being used as relief camps.

The prevailing state of Manipur unrest has instilled fear among parents, discouraging them from exposing their children to potential dangers. While teachers are compelled to comply with the orders from the education department and reopen schools, they share concerns about the absence of normalcy in the state Manipur. They fear that any outbreak of violence could lead to road blockades, causing severe disruption to the education process and posing risks to the safety of students. Witnessed extremely low attendance, which is a direct result of parents’ concerns. 

Many students have lost their homes and are currently surviving in various relief camps. They are traumatised by the destruction they have witnessed at such a tender age. The government must prioritise creating a conducive educational environment before initiating classes." 

While the government’s endeavour to provide education to young children in Manipur holds great importance, considering the prolonged confinement they have experienced during the past two months of violence, current circumstances have impeded its progress. The impact of the two-month-long violence has deeply affected parents’ confidence in sending their children to school, primarily due to concerns for their safety. 

The government of Manipur must take decisive steps to restore normalcy and create a secure environment conducive to education.

On July 3, 2023 in a press conference, Chief Minister N Biren announced the reopening of the school. And informed that the Government had decided to reopen schools on July 5, 2023, for classes 1 to 8. He further stated that classes 9 to 12 will be started once the construction of prefabricated houses are completed and the displaced people taking shelter at different relief camps are relocated.