Volunteers of the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) staged a protest rally this afternoon, calling for the full implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the state.

The rally commenced from DESAM’s office at Sega Road and proceeded towards Raj Bhavan, with students holding placards and chanting slogans. However, the protestors were intercepted by a team of state police at Keishampat Bridge. After a brief standoff, the police allowed a select group of DESAM representatives to move forward and meet government authorities, following clearance from higher officials.

Speaking to the media, DESAM President M. Somorjit voiced deep concern over the state government’s delay in fully adopting NEP 2020. He pointed out that students currently appearing for their 6th Semester undergraduate examinations—set to begin on June 13—are facing uncertainty, as no official syllabi or guidelines have been issued for the upcoming 7th and 8th Semesters.

Somorjit noted that while NEP 2020 was partially introduced in Manipur during the 2022–23 academic year, the government has yet to announce either the curriculum or the designated institutions for the extended semesters under the new four-year undergraduate programme. “It is unclear whether NEP 2020 is actually being implemented or not. The government must make its stand clear,” he asserted.

DESAM further alleged that despite submitting multiple memorandums to the Director and Commissioner of the Education Department, there has been no substantive action. The student body has urged the government to issue an immediate and transparent clarification to protect the academic interests of thousands of students.