He pointed out that according to the ASER report, enrolment of students in government schools of Manipur witnessed a sharp decline from 26 per cent to 13 per cent.

He maintained that the government and its machineries must deliberate why the people of Manipur, with considerably low per capita income, are preferring private schools over government schools.

While noting that an annual budget of around Rs 2.50 crore is being allocated for the education department, Lamyanba stated that the government must seriously consider increasing the annual budget if it is struggling to provide basic facilities in government schools with the present financial input.

Nevertheless, few schools, especially, in the Imphal area are being chased after by parents and students. The government must value them and initiate necessary steps to accommodate those who cannot afford education in private schools, he suggested.

He further said that schools may not be improved just by developing infrastructures. Even Schools Fagathansi Mission will be rendered fruitless if the government does not recruit an adequate number of teachers in government schools, he said, adding that the government should clarify why it is unable to fulfill basic infrastructures and adequate numbers of teachers.

The DESAM president went on to appeal to all concerned not to approach the student body to seek any form of quotas or admission in government schools.

He stated that nepotism and favouritism will only aggravate mistrust among the people and jeopardise the student movement in the long run.