The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has expressed deep concern over the recent notification issued by the Directorate of School Education regarding the transfer and posting of teachers across Nagaland. While acknowledging the necessity of rationalization in the education sector, the student body has questioned the “preparedness and fairness of the process.”
AKM criticized the lack of proper planning, stating that “the recent rationalization process appears to have been carried out without a well-structured plan.” This, according to the student body, has led to “confusion and disruptions in schools, particularly in rural areas where teachers are already scarce.”
Highlighting the challenges faced by rural schools, AKM argued that “the teacher-student ratio in rural areas cannot be measured in the same manner as urban schools.” The student body pointed out that “a single teacher managing multiple classes simultaneously is impractical and detrimental to the quality of education.” It urged authorities to consider this reality instead of “blindly applying a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Political interference in the transfer process was another key issue raised by AKM. The student body emphasized that “the rationalization process should be conducted fairly and without political influence.” It further insisted that “decisions regarding teacher placements should be based on academic needs rather than external pressures.”
AKM also called for accountability among teachers who are unwilling to serve in rural areas. “Teachers who are unwilling to serve in rural schools should be given prior warnings,” it stated. The student body suggested that “if they continue to refuse, voluntary retirement should be enforced to ensure that only committed educators remain in the system.”
Advocating for a different approach, AKM asserted that “rationalization should begin with urban schools.” It argued that “schools in urban areas, which have an excess number of teachers, should be prioritized in the rationalization process before affecting rural institutions already facing a shortage.”
Strongly condemning the execution of the rationalization process, AKM stated that “the Department of School Education has turned the rationalization process into a mockery, lacking the seriousness and commitment it deserves.” The student body warned that it “will not stand by as a silent spectator while injustices and discriminatory treatment are meted out to schools in rural areas.”
Reaffirming its commitment to educational equity, AKM declared, “Every child deserves the right to quality education, regardless of their location. We are determined to ensure that this right reaches every corner, leaving no child behind.”