Ground rules of SoO pact must be adhered to : CS

OSR/DIPR
IMPHAL, Sep 5 : With the extension of SoO agreement by a year, Kuki militant groups should honour and follow the ground rules of the pact, said Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel.
He made the statement while responding to questions from the press on the sidelines of State Level Teachers' Day Celebration 2025 held at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound today jointly organised by the Department of Education (Schools), Higher and Technical Education, SCERT, and Adult Education, Government of Manipur.
The Chief Secretary said the Government is taking up initiatives to bring peace and restore normalcy with a focus on development in the State.
Saying that Kuki militant groups which signed the agreement should fully abide by its ground rules, he maintained that restoration of peace in Manipur is the common wish of both the people and the Government.
Replying to a poser from mediapersons regarding Kuki Zo Council's statement that "the sanctity of the buffer zones between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas will continue to be strictly respected and maintained" despite the reopening of NH-2, the Chief Secretary said that the terms and conditions have all been written down in the agreement adding that people "cannot just say anything".
Meanwhile, addressing the gathering at the celebration, Dr Puneet Kumar Goel said that Teachers’ Day is observed in memory of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India (1962–67), who believed education to be the foundation of nation-building.
He emphasized that teachers are not only transmitters of knowledge but also mentors of character, compassion, and courage.
Teachers play a significant role in bridging the divide and fostering bonds of love, unity and peace among different communities in the State, added the chief guest.
Dr Goel further highlighted that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions an India where education empowers youth to compete globally while also thinking ethically, creatively, and sustainably.
“To realize this vision, we look to our teachers for guidance and commitment,” he added.
On the occasion, Dr Goel extended his heartfelt congratulations to Macha Sana, Arts Graduate Teacher of Ghari Upper Primary School, who received the National Teacher Award 2025.
He also congratulated eight teachers who were conferred with the State Teachers’ Award 2025 and the principals, teachers, and students of eight colleges who were honoured with the Manipur State Award for Educational Excellence 2025.
Speaking as the functional president, RK Dinesh Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary (Higher and Technical Education/SCERT/Adult Education/AR/MAHUD) said that from 2025-26 academic session, the 4-year undergraduate programme under NEP 2020 will be introduced in 34 Government colleges.
The feasibility of introducing this programme in aided colleges is currently being assessed, he said.
Under the first phase of the College Fagathansi Mission, the construction of 8 classrooms each at 10 colleges is nearly complete. Similar work will continue in the next phase.
Infrastructure upgrada-tion and soft skill enhance- ment has been undertaken at Rayburn College, Mount Everest College, Biramangol College, Mangolnganbi College and Tamenglong College.
Additionally, two model undergraduate colleges will be opened at Kamjong and Pherzawl as part of the PM-USHA scheme under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA).
Highlighting another positive step in the field of education, a Government engineering college will be set up at Heirok from 2026-27 academic session, he informed.
Upgradation works are ongoing at Kakching Khunou College, Nambol Sanoi College, Liberal College, South east Manipur College and Thoubal College.
A girls' hostel with 100 seat capacity is also nearing completion at GP Women's College, he maintained.
The State Teachers’ Award 2025 was presented to: Laikhuram Maria Monteshori, Primary Teacher, Top Makha Upper Primary School (Residential School, Chingkhei Ching); Rajkumari Umadini Devi, Science Graduate Teacher & Head Master (I/C), Sagolband Popular Upper Primary School; Seema Subha, Primary Teacher, Khunthoknganbi Upper Primary School; Ahanthem Gopen Singh, Arts Graduate Teacher & Head Master (I/C), Ningombam Junior High School; Nongmeikapam Dhamen Singh, Primary Teacher, Samushang Shantipur Upper Primary School; T Suchitra Devi, Assistant Headmaster, Eastern Ideal High School; Moirangthem Shyama Devi, Assistant Headmaster, Konjeng Junior High School; and Kansouwa Komong Maring, Arts Graduate Teacher & Head Master (I/C), Machi High School.
The Manipur State Award for Educational Excellence 2025 was conferred to eight colleges, namely, Standard College, Waikhom Mani Girls’ College, Manipur College, Kamakhya Pemton College, Don Bosco College, Maram, Kha Manipur College, Imphal College and Kakching Khunou College.
Naorem Praveen Singh, IAS, Secretary (Education-S/YAS/OBC&SC/MA) also attended the event.