News Mania / Agnibeena Ghosh/5th May 2024
In an effort to address the educational needs of students affected by ethnic violence in Manipur, Governor Anusuiya Uikey inaugurated a “School on Wheels” initiative. The initiative aims to reach out to students residing in relief camps and provide them with access to education, according to a statement from the Raj Bhavan.
During the launch of the program at the Bal Vidya Mandir Complex, Governor Uikey outlined the features of the school bus, which is equipped with a library, smart TV, computer, and sports items. She emphasized that the initiative seeks to support students affected by the violence that began on May 3 last year, particularly those who have been displaced from their homes.
“The incidents which started on May 3 last year affected thousands of people especially students of the state,” remarked Governor Uikey, underscoring the importance of providing educational opportunities to the affected students. She expressed her commitment to ensuring that displaced persons receive necessary assistance, including access to education.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by students staying in relief camps, Governor Uikey instructed the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary to initiate efforts for the permanent resettlement of displaced people. The aim is to provide a sense of stability and security to those affected by the violence and ensure their long-term well-being.
The “School on Wheels” initiative is being implemented by the Vidya Bharati Shiksha Vikas Samiti, which has prioritized the educational needs of children residing in relief camps. Governor Uikey highlighted the importance of ensuring that students are not deprived of education due to their displacement and emphasized the role of the initiative in addressing this concern.
Currently, around 18,000 students are residing in 480 relief camps across Manipur, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ethnic clashes that erupted last year. The violence, which began during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, resulted in the loss of lives and displacement of thousands of people.
Manipur’s population is characterized by a diverse ethnic composition, with Meiteis comprising approximately 53 percent and residing mainly in the Imphal Valley. The tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, account for a little over 40 percent of the population and primarily inhabit the hill districts.
The ethnic tensions in Manipur underscore the importance of addressing the underlying socio-political issues and promoting dialogue and reconciliation among different communities. Governor Uikey’s initiative to provide educational support to students in relief camps is a step towards addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the violence and fostering resilience and hope for the future.
By prioritizing education and ensuring access to learning opportunities, the “School on Wheels” initiative aims to empower students with knowledge and skills, enabling them to overcome the challenges posed by the conflict and rebuild their lives. It represents a commendable effort to uphold the right to education and promote inclusivity and solidarity in times of crisis.
