The Socialist Students Union of Manipur (SSUM) celebrated its 9th Foundation Day on Thursday with a pledge to support education for financially disadvantaged students, particularly girls.
During a commemorative event held at Nungshikol Park in Imphal East, SSUM announced plans to sponsor 20 girl students from economically backward families, with 10 students each designated for higher secondary and college education.
The SSUM also donated monetary aid to family members of four martyrs, who laid down their lives in the ongoing aggression by Kuki narco-terrorists.
The initiative to sponsor 10 girl students in their education was taken up as an honour to the roles played by women of Manipur in every conflict and issues of Manipur working in the frontline, said president of SSUM S Yaima in his speech.
Acknowledging the patriotism demonstrated by Manipuri students in tackling ongoing crises, he also urged them to utilise their time wisely in line with tackling the crisis, recognising them as the future pillars of the state.
As part of SSUM’s commitment to improving the education sector in Manipur, the president also unveiled initiatives to monitor the activities and attendance of faculty members in government educational institutes.
This measure, he said, aims to bridge the gap between government and private educational institutions, ensuring equitable standards of education.
Furthermore, he urged the state government to prioritise infrastructure development in government schools and address issues such as shortages and the low quality of textbooks issued by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM).
He proposed encouraging government teachers and employees to enrol their children in government schools as a means to bolster these institutions.
In solidarity, SSUM extended best wishes to students appearing for the HSLC examinations and called on the public to refrain from causing any disruptions during the exam period.
The event also witnessed floral tributes and a two-minute silence to honour those who lost their lives during the ongoing crisis.
Dignitaries present at the event included chairman of Manipur Red Cross Society Narendra Ningomba, president of Lamlai Kendra Village Volunteer Force Y Bosan, and president of All Meetei Pangal Students’ Union W Wajid, among others.
