NE's only floating school struggles to stay afloat

Eight years after Northeast India's first floating elementary school was set up for children of the fishing community on Loktak Lake in Manipur, the school is now battling to survive.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

With the community finding no other way to keep the school running, they have sought government help.

‘The Loktak Floating Elementary School was set up in 2017 at Langolsabi Leikai in Champu Khangpok, a floating village of nearly 330 residents.

It was built atop thick floating masses of aquatic vegetation known as phumdis — a hallmark of Loktak Lake. These floating biomass islands, about 4 to 5 feet thick, support both huts and the school itself.

Rajen Oinam, secretary of the All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen Union Manipur, which runs the school, told PTI, "The one-room school, measuring 24 by 15 feet, lacks even basic infrastructure such as desks and tables. We had a lot of hope when we started, but this year alone, seven students dropped out. Only 23 students are currently enrolled, up to class 2. Classes are held from 8 am to noon, twice a week.”