Imphal: The Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has sought a detailed account of 160 metric tonnes of non-watermarked paper procured for the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM), raising questions over its present status and the quality of educational materials supplied to students.
In an open letter to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, DESAM called for an independent investigation into the procurement and use of the paper, which was purchased in December 2025 during President’s Rule.
The student organisation has demanded a transparent, item-wise record showing the total quantity procured, the amount used for printing and the quantity that remains unaccounted for.
DESAM has also questioned how 160 metric tonnes of paper could have been stored at the BOSEM premises, pointing out that the campus does not have an identified or adequate storage facility capable of holding such a large quantity.
The group has called for strict action against officials found responsible for the procurement, distribution or supply of what it described as sub-standard textbooks and examination materials.
The demand comes amid growing dissatisfaction among student organisations over the quality of educational resources. Six student groups had earlier submitted representations to the Governor, seeking intervention in the matter.
Protests outside the BOSEM office and the New Secretariat later intensified, with police intervening against demonstrators and several student protesters facing action.
DESAM has now urged the Chief Minister to expedite a pending high-level inquiry into the matter. The probe file, reportedly forwarded by the Commissioner of School Education, is awaiting consideration and further action at the Chief Minister’s level.
The student body has maintained that a complete accounting of the paper and an impartial investigation are necessary to establish responsibility and prevent further irregularities in the state’s education system.