Imphal: The Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), one of the state’s prominent student organisations, on Friday submitted a five-point memorandum to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, urging comprehensive measures to promote the Manipuri language across the education system and public administration.
MSF president Hijam Roshan met the Chief Minister at his office in Imphal and handed over the memorandum, which calls for immediate steps to strengthen the use of Manipuri, the state’s official language, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
A central demand of the memorandum is the translation and availability of textbooks and reference materials in Manipuri at the school, college and university levels. The federation urged the government to ensure that Manipuri versions of study materials are accessible in the market and integrated into mainstream education.
The student body also called for the reopening of government-run Manipuri-medium schools that were shut down, arguing that revitalising such institutions is essential for preserving linguistic identity and expanding mother-tongue education.
Among its academic proposals, the MSF pressed for the preparation and publication of a comprehensive Manipuri dictionary, an encyclopedia and standard subject-wise glossaries to support curriculum development and higher learning in the language.
Emphasising alignment with NEP 2020, which advocates education in the mother tongue at foundational levels, the federation sought effective implementation of the policy in Manipur. It further demanded greater use of Manipuri in government communication, administration and local record-keeping.
The memorandum also highlighted the need for proper utilisation of the 18 crore central fund allocated in August 2024 for the promotion of the Manipuri language and script. The MSF called for transparency and targeted spending to ensure tangible outcomes in language preservation and development.
Describing the memorandum as a representation of the aspirations of students, youth and the wider public, Roshan said the federation would continue its campaign to secure institutional support for the sustained growth of the Manipuri language in both education and governance.