Churachandpur: The Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Zeikhuluang Loktak Project in Manipur’s Churachandpur district has come under scrutiny after a viral social media video alleged food shortages and poor student welfare at the residential school, triggering protests by parents and prompting administrative action.
In the viral video, students were seen crying and alleging that they had been left without food for a day. Following reports of the conditions at the school, parents gathered outside the campus and staged a protest, demanding an explanation from the authorities.
The parents said they had enrolled their children in the government-run residential school with the expectation of quality education and a safe environment. Instead, they alleged that the students were forced to endure hunger, inadequate sleeping arrangements and unsafe drinking water.
According to Henry, a student leader, 180 tribal students are currently residing on the EMRS Loktak campus. He claimed that following the incident on August 3, eight students were hospitalised, with five admitted to Bishnupur District Hospital and three to the NHPC Loktak Project Dispensary.
The allegations prompted the Tribal Affairs and Hills Department, Manipur, to relieve the principal and the girls’ warden of their responsibilities with immediate effect. A trained graduate teacher (TGT) in physical education was also transferred to Supermaina EMRS.
In an order issued by the Manipur Society for Tribal Educational Institution (MSTEI) under the Tribal Affairs and Hills Department, Principal Vishnu Pratap Shukla was transferred and attached to the office of the Member Secretary, MSTEI. Kamei Niamthai, who was serving as girls’ warden on a contractual basis, was transferred to EMRS Tamenglong until further orders or the completion of her engagement.
In a separate order, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, placed Shukla under suspension with immediate effect.
During the suspension period, Shukla’s headquarters will be the office of the State EMRS Society in Udaipur, Rajasthan. He has also been directed not to leave the headquarters without prior permission from the competent authority.
On Tuesday, Dr Laishram Amarjit Singh, a trained graduate teacher (TGT), was given additional charge as principal to oversee the school’s administration.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) took suo motu cognisance of the matter and ordered an immediate inquiry. The commission directed the authorities to restore food and other essential services, submit an Action Taken Report within 48 hours, and ensure the safe return of students once basic facilities are restored.
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