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Imphal, November 25 : CAUCUS 2009, a two-day long academic programme being organised by All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has begun from today at the indoor stadium of Chandel district headquarters.

Being held under the theme of 'Envisioning change through education, Commissioner of Education (S) Prashantkumar Singh, IAS was the chief guest of the inaugural function.

Deputy Commissioner of Chandel district H Dilip Singh, IAS and Director of Education (S) M Harekrishna were also present at the function as president and guest of honour respectively.

In his address, Prashantkumar observed that change cannot be expected overnight but it should come through sustained efforts.

The Government of Manipur has been making consistent efforts towards improvement of the education system in the State.

So instead of criticising the efforts of the Government, it would be appreciable on the part of the public and other civil organisations to come up with constructive ideas, he said, adding that only then there can be change and development.

He also called on the people and the civil organisations of the district to work in close co-ordination with the Deputy Commissioner who is the head of the district administration.

Speaking as guest of honour of the function, Harekrishna pointed out that of all the various schemes launched by the Government of India for the welfare of the students, the Government of Manipur is really concern about the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and feels that denial of its benefit to the young students is a crime.

In the first session of the academic programme today, principal of Blue Star Academy, Churachandpur Dr Dalian Haokip presented talk on the topic of 'Role of private institution in the development of tribal education in Manipur'.

On the second and concluding day tomorrow, former ATSUM president Dr John Pulamte would speak on the topic of 'Tribal education in Manipur: Problems and options' in the morning session while senior advocate of Gauhati High Court Samuel on 'Tribal rights and reservation in Manipur Problems and options' in the afternoon session.

Delegates of various student organisations based in the hill districts of Manipur are participating in the programme.