Manipur students’ body raises alarm over poor facilities at Karang Upper Primary School

The Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has expressed serious concern over the poor condition of Karang Upper Primary School in Bishnupur district and urged the state government to address the shortcomings at the earliest to ensure students enjoy their right to education.
 

A team of DESAM volunteers inspected the school, located on Karang Island in the middle of Loktak Lake, and found it struggling with inadequate infrastructure and manpower. Despite having 40–50 students enrolled, the school is being run by only two teachers.
 

Addressing the media after the inspection, DESAM president Somorjit Luwang highlighted that while Karang Island is known for its scenic beauty, education facilities remain neglected, forcing many children to drop out after completing the upper primary level.
 

He pointed out that although the state Education Department had earlier claimed there was no acute shortage of teachers, the ground reality was different. “It is unfortunate that the only government school on the island is being managed by just two teachers. Even the aided junior school in the area lacks basic amenities,” Luwang said.
 

The DESAM president further stressed the need for better infrastructure, teacher quarters, and practical upgrading of the school to higher secondary level, noting that the absence of such facilities has compelled many students to abandon their studies, as they cannot afford to pursue education in Imphal or nearby villages.

“Karang is around 53 km from Imphal and lies in the middle of Loktak Lake, making access difficult. The government must take special measures to ensure proper education facilities for the students here. The concerned authorities should not forget that Karang is also a part of Manipur,” he said.
 

DESAM also cautioned that it would continue monitoring the condition of the school, reiterating that the future of each and every student matters.