DESAM has renewed its demand for an independent probe into the alleged procurement of 160 metric tonnes of non-watermarked BOSEM paper during President’s Rule.
Imphal, August 17: The Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has renewed its demand for a high-level independent inquiry into the alleged procurement of 160 metric tonnes of non-watermarked paper for the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BSEM), questioning the state government’s handling of the matter.
In an open letter addressed to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, DESAM alleged that the paper was procured during President’s Rule in December 2025 for printing BSEM answer scripts and textbooks. The student organisation called for details on the procurement, storage and utilisation of the paper and sought action against officials it believes were responsible.
The allegations made by DESAM have not been independently established in the material provided. The organisation has repeatedly demanded an independent investigation into the matter.
DESAM also questioned whether the entire quantity of 160 metric tonnes had been used for printing textbooks and answer scripts, and sought clarification on whether Right to Education (RTE) textbooks were printed using the alleged low-quality, non-watermarked paper.
The organisation argued that the absence of watermark security features in examination-related materials could create risks of duplication of answer scripts and manipulation of marks. It also demanded that BSEM answer scripts carry appropriate watermark security features.
DESAM lists 10 rounds of agitation
In its open letter, DESAM listed a series of memoranda, protests and other actions it has undertaken since January seeking an inquiry into the alleged procurement.
On January 9, representatives of six student organisations — AMSU, MSF, DESAM, KSA, SUK and AIMS — submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur during President’s Rule, seeking a high-level independent inquiry into the procurement and supply of what they described as sub-standard paper for textbooks.
Three days later, on January 12, DESAM volunteers entered the BSEM office and locked the premises during an agitation. The organisation demanded an independent inquiry into the quality and supply of paper used for textbooks and answer scripts, timely distribution of textbooks and the use of BSEM watermarked answer scripts.
On February 16, DESAM executive members met Chief Minister Khemchand at his residence during a courtesy call. According to the organisation, it raised concerns over the education sector and the BSEM issue, to which the Chief Minister responded that a new Education Minister would be appointed and that the matter would be looked into in consultation with the minister.
DESAM subsequently held protests at BSEM on April 2, May 21 and June 9, demanding an independent inquiry and the removal of the Director (School), the in-charge Chairman of BSEM and the BSEM Secretary.
The organisation also submitted memoranda to the Chief Minister on April 4 and April 6, seeking an investigation into the alleged paper procurement and transparency regarding the custody and utilisation of the remaining non-watermarked paper.
On May 8, DESAM held a press meet alleging government negligence over the issue and called for action against officials associated with BSEM. It also raised concerns over examination security arising from the alleged absence of watermark features.
On July 8, the organisation staged a protest in front of the New Secretariat at Mantripukhri, demanding an independent inquiry and the removal of the Commissioner of School Education and the Director (School).
Organisation questions government inaction
DESAM alleged that several of its members were injured during police action against its protests. It further claimed that some senior police officers privately acknowledged the organisation’s concerns but indicated that the matter was linked to higher-level contractual interests.
The organisation also claimed that the Director (School) had expressed reluctance to initiate an inquiry while holding the in-charge position at BSEM, and had suggested that the government first remove the Chairman of the Board.
DESAM further claimed that the Commissioner handling Education (School) had informed its members that a file concerning the formation of a high-level investigation had already been processed and sent to the Chief Minister, but had not been returned.
These claims could not be independently verified from the material accompanying the open letter.
DESAM seeks accounting of paper stock
The student organisation has asked the government to provide a detailed account of the 160 metric tonnes of paper, including its present location, quantity used and purpose for which it was utilised.
DESAM questioned whether the paper was actually purchased and used as claimed, whether the full quantity was consumed in textbook printing and whether printing expenses were charged to student-related fees.
It also demanded that officials found responsible for any wrongdoing be investigated and removed from education-related responsibilities.
Addressing the Chief Minister, DESAM invoked his earlier statement as Education Minister — “Do not come with gifts, come with grievances” — and urged him to demonstrate the same approach in dealing with the alleged BSEM paper procurement.
The organisation stated that it would continue its campaign until the facts surrounding the procurement were established and justice was delivered.
