TSA seeks cancellation of the tender process for the construction of the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at L. Jangnomphai village and relocation of the same anywhere in Sadar Hills West block
TFM Kangpokpi Representative
The Thadou Students’ Association General Headquarters, the apex student body of the Thadou, the second-largest tribe in Manipur approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi for immediate cancellation of the tender process for the construction of the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at L. Jangnomphai village and relocation of the same anywhere in Sadar Hills West block.
Micheal Lamjathang Haokip, Secretary General of the student body explained why the TSA strongly objected to the allocation of EMRS at L. Jangnomphai village to the Prime Minister in a representation submitted on April 5 and demanded relocation of the same anywhere in Sadar Hills West.
He said that Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, on July 23, 2018, while replying to a starred question in the Lok Sabha said that there are 564 Sub-Districts, i.e. Block/Taluka/Tehsil having more than 50% population and at least 20000 tribal populations are eligible for Eklavya Model Residential School scheme wherein nineteen block/taluka/tehsil including Sadar Hills West and Saitu-Gamphazol blocks were specified in respect of Manipur as per 2011 census.
He continued that for the establishment of new EMRS in Manipur, six EMRS were allotted in respect of Senapati district, viz. Mao-Maram, Paomata, Purul, Sadar Hills East, Sadar Hills West, and Saitu-Gamphazol.
However, following the bifurcation of the Senapati district into Kangpokpi District and Senapati District in December 2016, the previous three sub-divisions in Kangpokpi district have become nine, viz. Saikul, Lhungtin, Island sub division under Sadar Hills East; Kangpokpi, Tujang Vaichong, Champhai under Sadar Hills West, Saitu-Gamphazol, Bungte Chiru, Kangchup-Geljang under Saitu-Gamphazol, he added.
He continued that under the 2011 census and geographically, L. Jangnomphai village (Veitum Khunou) falls under Saitu-Gamphazol Sub Division, Senapati (now Kangpokpi) and has been listed as 268805 village/location code and in the new Kangpokpi district, it (L. Jangnomphai village) remained under the same Saitu-Gamphazol Sub Division while new EMRS establishment had already been allotted to Gamnom-Saparmeina in respect of Saitu-Gamphazol block.
He further said that the state government had recommended for sanction of EMRS at L. Jangnomphai (Veitum Khunou) village in 2019-2020 overlooking the already existing and functional EMRS at Saitu-Gamphazol block which was sanctioned in the year 2000-2001.
He also pointed out that when the matter was put up to the then Minister of Tribal Affairs & Hills, Govt. of Manipur, Vungjagin Valte, in his note to the Dak, directed the Addl. Chief Secretary, Tribal Affairs & Hills, to examine and call details from DC and SDO and put up the matter, but, contrary to the fact that it was overruled and there was no response from them.
It is totally wrong, erroneous, and contradictory on the part of the state government to recommend two EMRS in respect of the Saitu-Gamphazol block neglecting Sadar Hills West sub-district/block/taluka/tehsil comprising Kangpokpi, Tujang Vaichong, and Champhai sub division, he added.
While apprising the Prime Minister of the cancellation of EMRS at L. Jangnomphai (Veitum Khunou) village, TSA General Headquarters urged for allotment of EMRS in respect of Sadar Hills West sub-district/block/taluka/tehsil at Gopibung village, presently under Champhai Sub Division stating that Sadar Hills West deserved to get good educational institution in the form of EMRS for the upliftment of the marginalized sections in terms of education.