Kiphire: ARSU flags teacher absenteeism, staff shortage at Amahator PHC

Amahator Range Students’ Union (ARSU) has raised serious concerns about the state of education and healthcare facilities in the Amahator Range following a two-day tour conducted on April 2 and 3, 2025. The union visited various schools and the Primary Health Centre (PHC) under its jurisdiction to assess prevailing conditions and challenges faced by students and the public.

According to ARSU, the team discovered that “many teachers were absent from duty, even though the Smile App attendance system has been introduced to monitor teachers’ presence.” The union noted that the absence of teachers has disrupted regular classes and affected students’ learning.

Another pressing issue observed during the visit was the shortage of subject teachers, particularly for Science and Hindi. “Many schools do not have enough qualified teachers for these subjects, which is a major concern for the future of students appearing for board exams,” the union stated.

The delegation also found that some teachers had not yet reported to their respective schools despite the new academic session having already begun. “This delay in joining has further worsened the situation in schools,” ARSU pointed out.

During their visit to the PHC at Amahator, ARSU discovered that “there was no doctor present.” The team further observed a “shortage of nurses and staff, which is affecting the delivery of basic health services to the public.” Due to these shortages, residents are forced to travel long distances to seek medical assistance during emergencies.

At Government High School (GHS) Kichang, the union noted that “the post of Assistant Headmaster (AHM) is lying vacant.” ARSU expressed concern that “the absence of leadership in the school is affecting administration and overall functioning.”

In light of these findings, ARSU has appealed to the concerned authorities, particularly the Department of School Education and the Department of Health and Family Welfare, to urgently address these issues. “We request the government to fill the vacant posts and ensure the regular attendance of teachers and medical staff so that students and citizens of the range receive proper education and healthcare,” the union urged.

MT