Northeast Desk, 7th March: The Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has called upon the Government of Manipur to review the allocation of examination centres for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) within the state itself. Speaking at a press conference today, DESAM’s secretary general, Nongthombam Thoithoiba, highlighted the challenges faced by students amidst the ongoing unrest between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Thoithoiba emphasized the difficulties students encounter in accessing examination centres located in states like Assam, especially amid the current violence in Manipur. He urged the Chief Minister of Manipur, the state’s education minister, and the Union Minister of State for Education to reconsider this matter and relocate the examination centres for Manipuri students within the state.
The secretary general reiterated the financial burden placed on students and their families due to the need for costly travel and accommodation, particularly the significant airfare expenses to and from Manipur. He stressed that this financial strain could jeopardize the educational aspirations of many students and highlighted the risks associated with travel amidst the ongoing communal conflict.
While expressing appreciation for the CUET initiative, Thoithoiba cautioned that conducting the examination outside the state could severely impede students’ participation, given the current situation in Manipur. DESAM has formally submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, the State Education Minister, and the Union Minister of State for Education, outlining the urgent need to establish examination centres for Manipuri students within Manipur itself.
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