Despite the ambitious goals of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and a substantial allocation of approximately Rs.1,775 lakh under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for 2024–25, Manipur’s education system remains in dire straits. Behind the impressive figures lies a stark reality: over 85% of 5,287 approved infrastructure projects remain incomplete, with 100% pendency in critical areas such as computer labs, ramps for students with disabilities, and upper primary buildings.
Of the total allocation, Rs.60,312 lakh targets new initiatives, while a worrying ₹31,463 lakh is marked as spillover—highlighting persistent administrative failures. The situation is compounded by acute human resource shortages: 131 schools operate with a single teacher, 40 have no students, and nearly 65% of sanctioned positions in District Institutes of Education and Training remain vacant.
Manipur’s primary dropout rate stands at 13.3%, far above the national average, driven by dilapidated facilities, absent teachers, and socio-economic hardships. The state’s failure to operationalize the Vidya Samiksha Kendra and implement key provisions of the RTE Act further stalls progress.
Education in Manipur is not just a developmental goal—it is a moral imperative. Without immediate, accountable execution of existing plans, the future of thousands of children hangs in the balance. The time to act is now.
