The CBSE affiliation controversy in Manipur has taken a new turn as 10 MLAs from the Kuki tribes write to Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the cancellation of the suspension of three education officers. The officers face disciplinary action over alleged fraud in clearing requests by 26 schools for CBSE affiliation. While the MLAs argue that the officers acted in the best interests of students during ethnic violence, the Education Department emphasizes the importance of completing the due process of investigation.
The alleged fraud involves the issuance of no-objection certificates (NOCs) to 26 schools in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, both hill districts, for CBSE affiliation after May 3, the day ethnic violence erupted between the Kuki tribes and the valley-majority Meiteis. The CBSE’s bylaws require state board schools to obtain NOCs from the state government before applying for central board affiliation. The Manipur government initiated an investigation into the alleged paperwork fraud, forming a committee to look into the matter.
The 10 MLAs, who have also been advocating for a “separate administration” in Manipur, contend that the three education officers should be reinstated as they acted in the students’ and schools’ best interests amid the violence over the past eight months. They argue that the CBSE should re-affiliate the 26 schools, and the suspended officers should be called back to duty.
However, an education department officer has described the attempt by the MLAs to rescue the officers as “absurd.” The officer emphasized the need to let the investigation complete its due process, stating that there is a process and documentary evidence that cannot be short-circuited.
The three suspended officers are Churachandpur ZEO Jangkhohao Haokip, Kangpokpi ZEO Lhingtinneng, and L Taithui, Deputy Inspector of Schools in the Samulamlan block of Churachandpur ZEO.
The controversy surrounding the CBSE affiliation centers around the change from state to central education boards in the two hill districts, viewed as a soft attempt at formalizing a new arrangement amidst the ethnic clashes that began in May 2023.
In response to the government’s action, a Kuki student group in Sadar Hills has sealed the offices of the Kangpokpi ZEO and the deputy inspector of schools in Saitu and Saikul, protesting against the suspension of the education officers. The group has appealed for a “swift and impartial investigation” into the allegations.
In Churachandpur, none of the four newly affiliated schools had working phone numbers, with one having ‘0000’ as the contact number. The lack of working phones and inconsistent details violate CBSE bylaws for affiliation. The Kangpokpi school principals had previously criticized the focus on procedures, emphasizing the students’ need for academic continuity amid ethnic clashes and disruptions.
The state government maintains that action will be taken against schools, including withdrawing their affiliation, if they are found not following due process. The controversy highlights the challenges of administrative processes amid ethnic tensions and the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to address the allegations of fraud in CBSE affiliation.
As the situation unfolds, the involvement of MLAs and student groups adds a political dimension to the controversy, raising questions about the broader implications and potential outcomes of the ongoing investigation and disciplinary actions. The insistence on due process and adherence to legal procedures becomes crucial in maintaining the integrity of the education system and ensuring fair and transparent resolutions to the allegations.
