The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has urged the Nagaland government to expand the implementation of the Smile App beyond schools to enhance transparency and accountability in various departments.
While welcoming the introduction of the Smile App to monitor teacher attendance and efficiency, DNSU pointed out significant technical glitches preventing many teachers from logging in and marking their attendance. The union called on authorities to address these issues promptly to avoid disrupting educators who are already working under challenging conditions.
Beyond attendance monitoring, DNSU also raised concerns over deeper issues plaguing the education system. It highlighted the shortage of qualified subject teachers, particularly in Mathematics and Science, as well as inadequate infrastructure, with instances of computer teachers lacking access to computers and vocational instructors without proper equipment.
The union further pointed out the disproportionate teacher-student ratio in government schools stating that some schools have only 9-15 students but were staffed with 20-30 teachers, while other schools with a large number of students struggle with an insufficient number of teachers.
DNSU said education cannot be improved by technology alone, saying it required structural reforms, proper resource allocation, and strict measures. Without such practical interventions, educational reforms will remain incomplete and ineffective, DNSU added.