Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: (Waari Singbul Network) The Department of Education (Schools), Manipur, organized the Awards Ceremony for the “Incentive to Government School Students Who Excel in High School Leaving Certificate Examination and Higher Secondary Examination” for the academic year 2024-25. The event, which celebrated academic excellence among government school students, was held at the Palace Auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS).
Chief Secretary of Manipur, Shri Prashant Kumar Singh, IAS, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Reflecting on his own experiences attending school award ceremonies, he highlighted the immense pride and joy that parents feel when their children succeed. He elaborated on the state’s incentive scheme, introduced in 2018, which provides financial support to top-performing students.
At the state level, students securing the first to fourth positions receive Rs. 5,00,000, Rs. 4,00,000, Rs. 3,00,000, and Rs. 1,00,000, respectively. At the district level, students who secure at least 70% marks are awarded Rs. 50,000 for the first position and Rs. 25,000 for the second position.
This year’s ceremony carried additional significance due to the ongoing ethnic unrest between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, which has led to displacement and restricted movement in several districts. Despite the Union Home Minister’s directive to ensure free movement on all highways, districts such as Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal remain inaccessible due to enforced no-free-movement zones. To ensure that students from these areas were not excluded, the incentive program was conducted in a hybrid format, allowing 11 awardees from these districts to participate virtually.
The Chief Secretary acknowledged the resilience of these students who, despite adversity, managed to excel academically. He praised the dedication and perseverance of the 58 awardees, particularly the 45 students from schools under the School Fagathansi Mission, a government initiative aimed at enhancing public education. He emphasized that their achievements reflect the progress being made in government schools and demonstrate that students from all backgrounds are striving for academic excellence. He also commended teachers and education officials for their guidance and commitment to shaping future leaders. Encouraging students to cultivate curiosity by asking “how” and “why,” he assured that the government remains committed to improving the education system and elevating government schools to the level of private institutions.
Shri N. Praveen Singh, IAS, Secretary (Education/S), Government of Manipur, reiterated that the cash incentive scheme was launched in 2018 to support academically outstanding students from government schools. With the introduction of a grading system in the High School Leaving Certificate Examination (HSLCE) from 2024, the incentive will now be awarded exclusively to Class 12 students. Recognizing that most government school students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, he emphasized that the scheme aims to provide financial assistance and encourage academic excellence.
Shri Ng. Bhogendra Meitei, MCS, Director of Education (S), Manipur, addressed the challenges faced by government schools, noting that out of 1,921 schools, only 51.96% of the required teaching staff is in place. He highlighted that 382 schools operate with a single teacher, despite having enrollments of 10 to 20 students. Of these, 316 fall under the Education (Schools) Department, 26 under Tribal Affairs & Hills, and 40 are government-aided institutions. He also acknowledged the role of the Samagra Shiksha initiative in supporting 2,902 schools across the state.
The ceremony honored five State Awardees, including Aiena Naorem of Kakching Higher Secondary School, who secured 1st position in the Commerce stream. Four students from T.G. Higher Secondary School were also recognized: Sapam Langlel Chanu (2nd position in Arts), Khwairakpam Crosia Devi (10th position in Arts), Kethallina Maisnam (2nd position in Commerce), and Khwairakpam Jenita Devi (5th position in Commerce). Additionally, 58 District Awardees were acknowledged, with 47 receiving their awards in person and 11 participating virtually from conflict-affected districts.
The event was attended by Bineshwar Khumukcham, MCS, Additional Director of Education (S/Valley); Dangmei Manglem, MCS, Additional Director of Education (S/Hills); students, parents, and other distinguished guests. The hybrid format of the ceremony underscored the commitment to ensuring accessibility to education despite ongoing challenges, reinforcing the resilience of Manipur’s students in the face of adversity.
