Sukhalu’s ‘Revenue from alcohol sale for education and healthcare’ comment draws flak
Mokokchung, June 23 (MTNews): The Rising People’s Party has ridiculed the ‘contention’ of the Advisor of Nagaland’s School Education department that “revenue extracted from alcohol sale should be used to overhaul the health and educational sector.” RPP dismissed it as not only cringe-worthy but also a feeble attempt to cover up the misdeeds of the department. “The reality is that the DoSE has no dearth of funds,” RPP declared.
RPP also said that the number one problem with the DoSE is not lack of money but poor management, poor leadership and fraudulent withdrawal of funds. For the NECTAR project, the World Bank and the GoI gave DoSE the amount of 629 Crores to “improve and enhance government schools” which is in implementation since April 2021, RPP disclosed.
Under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), RPP said that the GoI has poured in enough funds to upgrade the infrastructure of government schools (See table).
RPP also gave the names of “so called upgraded GHS schools” which included Mezoma, New Market, New Tseminyu, Diki, Khonoma, Jakhama, Kamaleah, Akhegwo, Phokhungri, Kutsapo, Mesulumi, Pholary, Phek Town, Lozaphuhu, Khuza, Khulazu Basa, Tzudikong, Mongsenyimti, Yaongyimsen Compound, Phasang, Dibuia, Khar, Sumi, Phelongre, Chomi, Solumi, Seyochung, Mimi, Sitimi Town, Longya, Naga United Village, Moava, Sovima, Sarbura, Thahekhu, Burma Camp, Khaghaboto, Piphema, Singrijan, Kuhuboto, Purana Bazar, Medziphema, Nihoto, Khushiabill, and Nito.
“The above data is just the tip of the iceberg. The funds released under RMSA could be much higher,” RPP said.
RPP said that, under RMSA, the average funding is Rs. 58, 12,000/- for each school. “However, according to documents/pictures in possession of the RPP, most of the constructed schools are pathetic. Case in point, in GHS Solumi, Kiphire – a declared Aspirational District – the school was constructed with wooden materials (Photo attached) at the cost of Rs. 58, 12,000/- which is simply criminal,” RPP said.
Further, RPP said that the Advisor should explain to the public as to why there is a “syndicate” working overtime in his department. “Under the same RMSA scheme, M/S Khedi Trade & Development Agency, Kohima, was awarded the contract to ‘upgrade’ 45 schools in 5 districts. He should explain whether any tender was floated? He should also furnish a clear picture to the public as to how much funds have been released under RMSA till date?” RPP posed.
Under the circumstances, RPP said, the Advisor claiming shortage of funds for the poor performance of schools in the state is disingenuous and ludicrous. The reality is that, according to RPP, the DoSE is probably one of the state’s dirtiest departments – after taking into account the prevalent proxy teaching system, ghost teacher appointment, teachers’ attachment to SDEOs/DEOs, PD system, GT promotion controversy, non-payment of salaries, etc.