Imphal, Sept 16 : The state government has warned private schools to reopen on the pain of penal action, including cancellation of affiliation to the government boards.
An official press statement by the PK Singh, Commissioner (education) Manipur, said the closure of private schools in response to the call by certain student organisations, infringes on the right to education of children of the state and it has been viewed seriously by the government.
Two students organisations, the All Manipur Students Union, AMSU and the Manipur Students Federation, MSF, had in support of the public agitaiton spearheaded by Apunba Lup to demand among others the resignation of the chief minister Okram Ibobi on moral ground in matters of the July 23 Khwairamband shootout incident, called for a class boycott by students.
The statement further said such closures vitiate academic atmosphere in the state.
It said the state government has decided that any private school that remain closed, except on notified holidays, will be liable to strict action leading to even cancellation of their affiliation/recognition.
The statement also mentioned that surprise inspections will be carried out by squads constituted specifically for this purpose.
All government schools are open and any absenteeism by teachers, without approved leave on valid ground, would invite strict disciplinary action, the statement said.
The official statement also mentioned that the government has assured adequate security so that no one is prevented from attending school.
Parents are also informed to send their children to their respective schools and any problems faced in this regard may be brought to the notice to the concerned SPs, the statement added.