Manipur Schools Reopen Today for Classes 9 to 12 After Being Shut for Two Months

After a two-month closure due to communal violence, schools in Manipur are set to reopen on August 10 for students from 9th to 12th grades, according to a statement by the Directorate of Education. The decision to reopen schools for other grade levels will depend on the prevailing circumstances. The Directorate of Education has issued an official order, instructing authorities to make necessary arrangements for the reopening of schools. Director L Nandakumar's order mandates all zonal education officers within the Department of Education to notify relevant parties and undertake essential measures accordingly.

Manipur's schools had been shut down since May-June due to ethnic tensions. Previous attempts by the government to implement a phased reopening were hindered by unfavorable conditions, resulting in prolonged closures. The order specifies that 1,229 schools will be conducting classes for students in the 9th to 12th grades. However, schools functioning as relief camps will remain closed. The order also notes that Manipur is home to a total of 4,617 schools, with approximately 100 schools being utilized to accommodate central forces and provide relief to displaced individuals.

Officials estimate that about 6,000 students across various grades were displaced as a consequence of the ethnic violence that erupted in the state on May 3. The relief camps currently house a total of 4,747 school children ranging from pre-primary to 12th grade. A subsequent order regarding the resumption of these specific schools will be issued at a later date, with focused measures in place to mitigate any potential learning setbacks, as outlined in the order.

Initially, the Directorate of Education had intended to recommence classes for all schools in the state on June 21. However, this date was postponed to July 1 and ultimately, classes for grades 1 to 8 resumed on July 5. The decision to close Manipur's schools from May 4 onwards was in response to a summer vacation announcement from May 4 to 30, combined with the issuance of orders in light of the prevalent law and order situation in the state. The initially planned summer vacation duration was advanced from May 15 and was later extended until June 19.