Department of Education of Manipur

Overview

The Department of Education (University & Higher Education) of Manipur (also known as the Department of Higher & Technical Education, Manipur) is the State Government authority tasked with planning, regulating and improving higher education across the state. It oversees government and government‑aided degree colleges, implements state and national schemes (including RUSA and NEP 2020) and promotes expansion, equity, quality and access in university‑level education.

History and Legal Framework

Higher education in Manipur managed centrally began in the 1930s via efforts of the Manipur State Durbar, with Dhanamanjuri College (1946) as the first institution. The Department of Education was formally constituted on 20 January 1950 and bifurcated into “Education (S)” for schools and “Education (U)” for the colleges and universities in July 1979. Since then, the Department of Higher Education has functioned independently, governed under the educational statutes of the Government of Manipur and aligned with central policies such as RUSA and NEP 2020.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The Department sets a vision “to achieve human-resource potential in higher education in Manipur with equity and inclusion”. Its mission focuses on improving access to quality university-level education, strengthening infrastructure, fostering academic reform and enhancing employability. Key objectives include:

• Increasing Gross Enrollment Ratio through expansion and holistic admissions.
• Enhancing academic quality via NAAC accreditation & internal IQACs under Mission NAAC 2.5+.
• Promoting vocational skilling, mentoring and innovation schemes (e.g. COSMI, Fagathansi Mission).
• Implementing NEP 2020-aligned reforms such as credit-based multidisciplinary curriculum.
• Supporting inclusive access for women, SC/ST/OBC and rural students.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The Department of University & Higher Education is headed by the Education Minister of Manipur. Administrative and executive leadership is provided by the Administrative Secretary and a Director (IAS cadre) supported by Additional and Joint Directors, Senior Officers and subject-specific staff. Offices use e‑office automation since October 2021, streamlining decision-making. Although it functions within the Manipur Administration, the Department enjoys functional autonomy in regulating admissions, funding, NOC issuance and policy implementation across affiliated colleges.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

While national bodies such as UGC and NAAC conduct accreditation, the Department plays a pivotal facilitating and monitoring role, by:

• Launching “Mission NAAC 2.5+” in 2021 to ensure that nearly 80 % of government and aided colleges attain NAAC accreditation.
• Providing financial support and capacity-building interventions to colleges for infrastructure and faculty training needed for accreditation.
• Enforcing minimum student enrolment norms through show-cause notices to low-performance colleges.
• Coordinating the establishment and training of Internal Quality Assurance Cells (IQACs) in all colleges.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

Although chiefly a state-level body, the Department actively participates in national and international academic forums, through:

• Collaboration with UNESCO and the British Council during NEP 2020 policy implementation workshops.
• Engagement with the Union Government’s RUSA mission, which includes Indian and international accreditation consultants.
• Exploration of foreign-academic partnerships via “Edu‑City” planning and pilot exchange programs with central institutions.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The Department is driving transformative initiatives, including:

• Implementing state-level online admission portals and merit-based centralized systems.
• Expansion of government colleges and upgrading of infrastructure under new RUSA funding.
• Mobilizing youth innovation via College Students Mentoring Initiative (COSMI) and e-support schemes.
• Steering NAAC third-cycle accreditation processes, launching college cluster-university conversions (e.g., Dhanamanjuri University).
• Increasing equitable access through scholarships, student rehab missions and focus on rural & tribal districts.

Summary

The Department of University & Higher Education, Manipur, is central to the state's higher education governance. With roots stretching back to 1950 and a clear mandate for policy, regulation and quality enhancement, the Department aligns national reforms with regional needs. It supports institutional capacity, academic quality and inclusivity through accreditation facilitation, modern e‑governance and innovative schemes. As Manipur evolves, it remains instrumental in realising NEP 2020 and RUSA goals while enhancing the state's higher education footprint.

FAQs

1. What is the Department of Education (University & Higher Education), Manipur?
   It is the Manipur state authority responsible for planning, coordinating and regulating higher education institutions, implementing academic reforms and quality initiatives.
2. When was the Department formed?
   The Education Department was constituted in 1950 and its University & Higher Education wing was separated as a distinct entity in 1979.
3. Does the Department accredit colleges?
   No; accreditation is conducted by national agencies (UGC/NAAC), but the Department supports colleges through “Mission NAAC 2.5+”, funding and compliance monitoring.
4. How many colleges are managed under it?
   Currently, the Department oversees 34 government and 17 government-aided degree colleges in the state.
5. What initiatives are launched for quality improvement?
   Key initiatives include accreditation drives, mentoring schemes (COSMI), rehabilitation & innovation grants and infrastructure upgrades via RUSA.
6. Is the Department involved in international cooperation?
   Yes; through policy workshops with UNESCO, the British Council and collaboration under centrally-supported RUSA projects with global stakeholders.

Organization Name

Department of Education of Manipur

Acronym

Year of Establishment

1/01/1972

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Directorate of education (S), Lamphelpat
Imphal West
Manipur India

Phone

+91 (385) 2451 007

Fax

+91 (385) 246 1007

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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