TNR in solidarity with students to reform education system in Nagaland
Mokokchung, March 23 (MTNews): Even as the structural challenges in the education system of Nagaland remain daunting with no quick-fix solution, it is heartening to note a few recent students’ initiatives demanding the government to take action against teachers failing to discharge their duties, opines The Naga Rising (TNR).
“The All Sumi Students Union and the Zunheboto Range Students’ Union, the Eastern Nagaland College Students Union, the Hurong Village Students Union, the Kiphire, Tuensang Districts Sumi Students Union, the Suruhuto Range Students Union – to name a few – have taken upon themselves the responsibility to stand up for their rights,” TNR said in a statement issued today.
“Insignificant as they may seem, they give a glimmer of hope as they sow the seed for bigger things in the future. History bears witness of students who recognize their own strength and demonstrate the willingness to fight for their rights. These initiatives have the potential of creating a snowball effect,” TNR observed.
“The demand for actions against rampant cases of teacher absenteeism, the illegal practice of engaging proxy teachers and the culture of transfer of teachers along with post and other related issues are not new to Nagaland, but once again it drives home the point that as the more things change, the more they remain the same,” TNR further added.
Saying that the issues raised by the students’ bodies have been plaguing the state’s education system for many years now, TNR said, “We have created a system that is neither sustainable nor can it create an ecosystem geared towards imparting quality education.”
Further, TNR stated that the Department of School Education has from time to time issued directives for strict disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of service against teachers illegally keeping proxy teachers in their place of posting.
Against this backdrop, it sought to know what actions the department has taken to address these long-standing issues.
“What steps have been taken to downsize the excess teachers? What measures have been initiated to streamline the recruitment process of teachers? What disciplinary actions have been taken against teachers found failing to discharge their duties? What mechanisms have been instituted to monitor and check illegal practice of proxy teachers?” it posed.
“The Naga Rising stands in full solidarity with the students’ demands and hopes that the growing proactive role of students to fight for their rights marks the beginning of cleaning up the mess in our education system,” TNR concluded.
Full text: https://mokokchungtimes.com/govt-should-answer-on-prevailing-proxy-system/AMP