Concerned over declining enrolment and poor transition rates from Class 9 to 10 in certain PM SHRI Schools in Nagaland, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, and Central Nodal Officer (CNO) for PM SHRI Schools in the state, Dinesh Kumar, IAS, has directed education officials to prepare school-wise action plans to address gaps in performance and infrastructure.
During a two-day visit on February 20 and 21, Kumar reviewed the implementation status of the PM SHRI Schools scheme and inspected selected schools in Dimapur district. He expressed concern over what was described as a “very low pass percentage” at PM SHRI GHS Burma Camp, Dimapur, and tasked state officials with conducting a diagnostic study to determine the reasons behind the poor performance and prepare corrective measures.
The review meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Dimapur on February 20, was attended by the District Education Officer (DEO), Principal DIET Dimapur, Sub-Divisional Education Officers (SDEOs), EBRC officials, heads of PM SHRI Schools, and officials from Samagra Shiksha Nagaland.
During the meeting, the DEO Dimapur presented a status report on the implementation of the six pillars under the PM SHRI scheme—Curriculum, Pedagogy & Assessment; Access and Infrastructure; Human Resource and School Leadership; Inclusive Practices and Gender Equity; Management, Monitoring and Governance; and Beneficiary Satisfaction.
Apart from academic performance, Kumar also highlighted infrastructure deficiencies in some schools, including inadequate classrooms, insufficient laboratory facilities, lack of proper auditoriums, and shortage of toilets. He assured students and teachers during interactions that these concerns would be flagged in his report to the Government of India for necessary support.
As part of the visit, Kumar inspected PM SHRI GHSS Chumoukedima, PM SHRI GHS Naharbari, PM SHRI GHS Thahekhu, and PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Project Sewak, Dimapur. At the latter institution, which functions under the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, he concluded his field inspections.
During interactions with students and teachers, Kumar shared the vision of the Prime Minister in line with the National Education Policy 2020 to develop model schools across the country and encouraged students to strive for academic excellence and contribute to nation-building.
On February 21, Kumar also met the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, at Kohima and apprised him of the outcomes of the two-day review.
