Manipur Guv encourages relief camp students selected for free education in Uttarakhand
Imphal, June 22
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Monday interacted with five students from relief camps who have been selected for free education at a reputed educational institution in Uttarakhand, officials said.
A Raj Bhavan official stated that the students have been sponsored for education up to Class 10 by the Information Technology Institute for the Tribes of India in collaboration with Doon Sanskriti School, Dehradun.
The sponsorship covers educational expenses, boarding, lodging, uniforms, and other essential facilities. Their travel expenses from Imphal to Dehradun will be borne by the Assam Rifles.
The students, hailing from Moreh and Churachandpur, both tribal-inhabited districts, and currently residing in relief camps in Imphal, were selected under the aegis of the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) from among children displaced by the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023.
During the interaction with the students and their guardians at Raj Bhavan, Governor Bhalla described the opportunity as a significant step towards a brighter future. He encouraged them to pursue their studies with dedication and commitment while developing their talents to the fullest.
Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary, wished the students success in their academic journey and future endeavours. He also appreciated the efforts of the Assam Rifles in supporting and nurturing students among the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the violence and helping them realise their potential through educational opportunities.
Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) Major General Gaurav Sharma and Commander, 9 Sector Assam Rifles, Brigadier Pratyush Kumar, attended the programme along with other officials.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Heartwarming to see the government and military working together for these kids. But I really hope the focus stays on long-term rehabilitation and not just short-term charity. These families need permanent housing, livelihood support, and justice for the violence that displaced them. Education is a great start, but let's not forget the bigger picture.
Why Uttarakhand? Couldn't they get similar opportunities within Manipur itself? While this is commendable, sending kids so far away from their families and culture when they're already traumatized seems questionable. Let's hope the school has proper counseling and support systems in place. Kids need stability, not just a free ticket.
Good to see Assam Rifles doing positive work in the Northeast. They often get criticized for heavy-handedness, but this is the kind of community engagement that builds trust. However, the real test will be when these kids come back after 10th - will there be opportunities for them in Manipur? We need to rebuild the state's infrastructure and economy too. 🇮🇳
As someone from the Northeast, I'm cautiously optimistic. The Governor and Assam Rifles deserve applause for this, but we've seen such isolated initiatives before. What about the thousands of other children still in those relief camps? Education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. We need systematic change, not just feel-good news stories. 🏫
Wonderful to see cross-state collaboration for a noble cause. Uttarakhand has some excellent educational institutions, and these kids will get exposure to a different environment. But I worry about the cultural adjustment - Manipur's
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