Amid allegations of systemic corruption, COHSEM faces intense scrutiny as 51 employees, controversially promoted in January 2024, continue working despite a state vigilance probe exposing illegal recruitment and rapid promotions. With Manipur’s High Court directing “status quo,” critics slam the council for bypassing accountability while exams proceed.
TFM Exclusive Report
The Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM) is mired in a deepening crisis as 51 employees, whose promotions were flagged as illegal by a state vigilance probe, remain in their roles under a controversial court-ordered “status quo.” The scandal, rooted in alleged recruitment and promotion abuses between 2016 and 2022, has ignited accusations of institutional corruption and administrative apathy.
Vigilance Exposes Systemic Abuse
A 2022 investigation by Manipur’s Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department uncovered shocking irregularities: 92 employees were allegedly hired unlawfully, while 167 received promotions—some climbing four ranks in just three and half years. The probe, completed in October 2023, demanded urgent reforms, including cancelling illegal promotions and formulating transparent recruitment policies under the Manipur Higher Secondary Education Act, 1992.
Key findings revealed promotions granted before mandatory probation periods and employees skipping eligibility criteria. The vigilance department urged scrapping promotions for 16 staffers and halting arbitrary practices. Despite this, COHSEM Secretary Kh Ashikumar defended the promotions as “Council-approved,” citing exam-related busyness to delay corrective action.
High Court’s Status Quo Order Fuels Controversy
After aggrieved employees petitioned the Manipur High Court, a February 26, 2024, ruling froze all actions, maintaining the “status quo” until further hearings. Critics argue this lets tainted appointees retain positions unfairly, sidelining qualified staff. Documents confirm 51 promoted employees still draw salaries, deepening resentment within COHSEM.
Accountability in Limbo
While COHSEM claims it will address vigilance recommendations “soon,” delays persist. The Council of Higher Secondary Education Employees Association has escalated protests, submitting pleas to former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Meanwhile, the Education Department faces heat for failing to challenge the court order or submit affidavits, prolonging the deadlock.
Chaos Amid Exam Season
COHSEM’s insistence on prioritizing 2024 exams over reforms has drawn skepticism. “How can a body overseeing education violate its own rules?” asked a senior official anonymously. “The status quo rewards wrongdoing and punishes honesty.”
With hearings adjourned and no resolution in sight, the scandal underscores a bitter clash between accountability and administrative inertia—leaving Manipur’s academic governance in turmoil.