Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday advocated the importance of mother tongue-based education and skill development while attending the inaugural session of a three-day workshop on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The workshop, titled “Reforms in School Education of Manipur: An Approach to Implementation, Challenges and Opportunities of NEP-2020,” was organised by Vidya Bharati Shiksha Vikash Samiti, Manipur, at the City Convention Centre in Imphal.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister quoted Nelson Mandela on the transformative power of education, describing it as one of the most effective tools for bringing about positive change in society.
He said the National Education Policy 2020 outlines the responsibilities of the education sector in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
Highlighting a key feature of the policy, Khemchand Singh said teaching children in their mother tongue up to Class V would enable them to learn more effectively and at a faster pace. He expressed confidence that the workshop would contribute to the successful implementation of NEP 2020 in the state.
Referring to the current law and order situation in Manipur, the Chief Minister said the summer vacation for educational institutions had been reduced from three weeks to one week. He noted that normal functioning of schools, colleges and government offices was disrupted for nearly a month following the Tronglaobi incident.
To compensate for the lost working days, Saturdays have been declared working days for all government departments, he said, adding that regular holidays would be restored once pending work is completed.
On the implementation of NEP 2020, Khemchand Singh said the responsibility should not rest solely with the government.
“The policy can be implemented successfully only when the government, employees and the public work together with commitment and determination,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel said India aims to become a fully developed nation by the centenary of its Independence under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He described NEP 2020 as a key driver in that journey and stressed the crucial role of teachers and education stakeholders in shaping the country’s future.
Professor Ganga Prasad Prasain, President of Vidya Bharati Purvottar Kshetra, highlighted the importance of introducing skill development and vocational education from Class VI onwards.
He said students should be exposed to practical skills alongside regular academic subjects to enhance their employability and create opportunities for self-employment in the future.
The programme was attended by MLA Sapam Nishikant Singh; Prof W. Chandbabu Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University; Prof P. Gunindro Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University of Culture; Ningthoujam Geoffrey, Commissioner for Higher and Technical Education; along with academicians, teachers and education officials.
Also Read | FIFA World Cup fever grips Nagaland, but can it inspire a football revolution?