Students protest demanding strict regulation for school hostels, boarding in Manipur

Students carrying out protest in Imphal demanding implementation of Manipur Private Schools (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2017 on February 19. (NNN Photo)

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL | February 19

A protest rally was carried out on the streets in Imphal on Wednesday demanding the implementation of Manipur Private Schools (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2017.

The rally marched by the students under the aegis of All Manipur Students’ Union further demanded implementation of strict regulation for hostels and boarding in the state.

The protest rally was held at the concluding part of a sit-in-protest staged at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, Imphal. Students of various schools and colleges took part in the protest.

The students carried out the rally after the police told them to conclude the sit-in-protest citing the prohibition on gathering of five or more persons under section 144 of CrPC in the whole of Imphal West district.

The rally marched from Keishampat Junction where the students staged the protest at a community hall and concluded at Kwakeithel Bazar.

Talking to reporters during the protest, AMSU secretary Bruce Pebam alleged that even as Manipur Private Schools (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2017 was enacted, the same is yet to be effectively implemented in the state. Due to this, private schools, hostels and boarding are mushrooming as if it is a business and these schools, hostels and boarding are functioning in their own styles as there is no common guideline and regulation, he also said.

To save the lives of students and for bringing quality education in the state, there is the need for effective implementation of the Manipur Private Schools (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2017, he added.

The student leader then drew the attention of  the state government to take up appropriate steps for effective implementation of the act and a strict regulation for hostels and boarding in the state.

"If the state government fails to address the demand, AMSU will be compelled to launch various forms of protest for the sake of bringing quality education and to save lives of the students", he asserted.