Citizens of Chandel District, Manipur’s lone Aspirational District, have submitted a detailed memorandum to His Excellency, the Hon’ble Governor, appealing for immediate intervention to address a series of long-pending issues—particularly in the education and infrastructure sectors.
The memorandum, endorsed by community representatives, education stakeholders, and civil society organisations, calls for practical reforms aimed at bringing Chandel on par with other districts in the state.
Education at the Core of the Appeal
At the heart of the submission lies a growing frustration over educational neglect. The memorandum highlights systemic deficiencies—from faculty shortages to lack of access to competitive examinations—hampering students’ progress in one of Manipur’s most underserved districts.
Among the key demands, the petitioners have urged the establishment of an SSC Examination Centre at the Chandel District Headquarters, equipped with at least 100 computers for computer-based tests (CBT) and a dedicated coaching centre to support aspirants of national-level exams such as CHSL and CGL.
Vacancies and Transport Woes at United College
The memorandum further stresses the urgent need to fill vacant teaching posts at United College, Lambung, the district’s lone higher education institution. Students and staff have also requested the provision of two college buses to address commuting difficulties between remote villages and the campus.
“Despite being an Aspirational District, students here continue to face barriers that can be fixed with timely government attention,” the petition notes.
Recognition of Anal Language, School Infrastructure Gaps
Another major concern raised involves the introduction of Anal language textbooks for Classes XI and XII under the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur (COHSEM). The community has sought the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the government to formalize the inclusion of the indigenous language in higher secondary curricula—a move they describe as vital for cultural preservation and inclusivity in education.
Additionally, the memorandum calls for teacher appointments at Chakpikarong Higher Secondary School, where vacancies have persisted for several academic sessions, disrupting regular classes.
| Key Demands | Proposed Action |
|---|---|
| SSC Exam Centre (CHSL & CGL) | Establish CBT facility with 100 PCs and coaching unit |
| United College, Lambung | Fill vacant faculty posts; provide two buses |
| Anal Language in Class XI–XII | Issue NOC for COHSEM inclusion |
| Chakpikarong Higher Secondary School | Appoint qualified teachers |
| Eklavya Model Residential School (Wangkhera) | Complete construction and make operational |
| Kendriya Vidyalaya (Chakpikarong) | Start construction to expand quality education |
| ST Scholarships (2024–25) | Release pending funds via NSP portal |
Delayed Projects and Scholarship Bottlenecks
The memorandum also urges the expedited completion of the Eklavya Model Residential School at Wangkhera and the construction of a Kendriya Vidyalaya at Chakpikarong—two flagship projects meant to expand educational access in tribal areas.
Meanwhile, the delay in releasing ST scholarships under the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for 2024–2025 has left many students struggling financially.
Appeal for Governor’s Intervention
The signatories expressed hope that the Governor’s office will facilitate swift departmental action. They emphasized that unless these basic educational and infrastructural needs are addressed, Chandel’s “Aspirational District” tag risks remaining symbolic rather than substantive.
“We are not seeking privilege, only parity,” the memorandum states. “Chandel’s youth deserve equal opportunity to learn, compete, and thrive.”