The Eastern Nagaland Sumi Students’ Union (ENSSU) successfully concluded the first phase of its education tour (tenure 2024-26), conducted from 7 to 11 June 2024. This initiative aimed to evaluate and enhance the educational infrastructure and teaching staff within its jurisdiction.
During the tour, the union observed that all schools were operating smoothly. Among the institutions visited, Government High School (GHS) Sitimi and Government High School (GHS) Phisami were recognized as the best-performing schools. Despite this, the tour revealed significant gaps in staffing: GHS Sitimi has a shortage of teaching faculty, while GHS Phisami needs an English teacher. ENSSU has called on the relevant department to promptly appoint qualified teachers to these positions to address the educational challenges faced by these schools.
Furthermore, it was concerning to learn that the teacher Shunung Tikhir, posted at GMS Sukiur-B, has failed to fulfill her duties since her appointment, despite repeated interventions by the local union and the in-charge teacher. ENSSU urges the concerned department to address this matter expeditiously.
Beyond educational institutions, ENSSU representatives visited several local administrative offices, including the EAC Office, RD, CDPO, and PHC in Sitimi Town. Except for the ADC and CHC in Seyochung and the EAC office in Sitimi, all the remaining offices were found closed during the visit. The union also found that PHC Sitimi is facing significant challenges due to the absence of an ambulance driver and a doctor on study leave. ENSSU appealed to the concerned department to assign additional staff from the nearest hospital to PHC Sitimi to address urgent needs.
Additionally, ENSSU has raised concerns about the absence of staff in their respective stations and emphasized the need for the timely appointment of designated officials to these offices. Proper staffing would greatly benefit the local indigenous communities by ensuring the effective functioning of educational and administrative services.
ENSSU expressed hoped for swift action to address these issues, ensuring that the educational needs of the students are met and that administrative offices are adequately staffed to serve the community effectively.