Manipur EMRS principal suspended after food shortage allegations lead to parent protest
A viral video alleging food shortages at an Eklavya Model Residential School in Churachandpur prompted protests by parents and led to the suspension and reassig
An Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Zeikhuluang Loktak Project in Manipur’s Churachandpur district came under scrutiny after a viral social media video alleged food shortages and poor welfare for students. The video showed students crying and claimed they were left without food for a day.
Following the posts, parents gathered outside the school campus and staged a protest demanding an explanation. Parents said their children were enrolled in the government-run residential school expecting quality education and a safe environment, but they alleged problems including hunger, inadequate sleeping arrangements, and unsafe drinking water.
Students taken ill after alleged incident
A student leader named Henry said around 180 tribal students were residing on the EMRS Loktak campus. He added that after an incident on August 3, eight students were hospitalised. Five were admitted to Bishnupur District Hospital, while three were taken to the NHPC Loktak Project Dispensary.
The allegations triggered action by the Tribal Affairs and Hills Department, Manipur. The principal and the girls’ warden were relieved of their responsibilities with immediate effect. The principal, Vishnu Pratap Shukla, was transferred and attached to the office of the Member Secretary of the Manipur Society for Tribal Educational Institution (MSTEI).
New charge and inquiry ordered
In a separate order, Shukla was placed under suspension by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. During the suspension period, his headquarters will be at the office of the State EMRS Society in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and he was told not to leave without prior permission from the competent authority. On Tuesday, Dr Laishram Amarjit Singh, a TGT teacher, was given additional charge as principal to oversee the school’s administration.
The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) also took suo motu cognisance. It ordered an immediate inquiry and directed the authorities to restore food and other essential services, submit an Action Taken Report within 48 hours, and ensure the safe return of students once basic facilities are restored. A contractual girls’ warden, Kamei Niamthai, was transferred to EMRS Tamenglong until further orders or the completion of her engagement.
