A joint representation was submitted on behalf of the Ao Senden, Watsü Mungdang, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), and Ao Riju (Ao Academy) during a consultative meeting held on 2 November 2024 at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall in Mokokchung, bringing together the Ao Frontal Organization, various churches, and the Ao Reju (Ao Literature Board) with Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor of School Education and SCERT, Nagaland.
This representation highlighted the acute shortage of language teachers in government schools across Nagaland. The groups noted that while the appointment of designated language teachers is minimal, the policy of engaging any teacher acquainted with the mother tongue to teach vernacular subjects is detrimental to the teaching-learning process. “It is of deep concern that most teachers selected through this process have no professional training to teach the vernacular subject since they have not undergone the Language Proficiency Examination conducted by tribal Literature Boards,” they stated. This lack of training results in confusion regarding the spelling system, grammar, and composition of the mother tongue, which are considered technical areas that require specialized instruction.
The representation further addressed the issue of English being a compulsory subject in schools. The groups argued that offering Alternative English as a Modern Indian Language (MIL) subject discourages students from opting for their mother tongue, ultimately affecting vernacular language acquisition. They referenced the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which supports the use of home languages as the medium of instruction until at least Grade 5, and preferably until Grade 8 and beyond. “Therefore, the home/local language shall continue to be taught as a language wherever possible,” they added.
ALSO READ: Consultative meeting highlights education sector issues in Mokokchung
In light of these concerns, the groups urged Advisor Yhome to consider the appointment of qualified language teachers and the removal of Alternative English as an MIL subject to align with NEP 2020 policies and promote the development of vernacular languages.
Additionally, the representation raised concerns about the future prospects of trained and educated students who remain unemployed. They pointed out that denying these individuals opportunities for employment in the teaching profession exacerbates inequality. The groups recommended that teachers who are untrained or facing health issues should be given compulsory retirement to facilitate the recruitment of qualified teachers in government schools.
ALSO READ: 35 Government High Schools but only 5 Higher Secondary Schools in Mokokchung District, says Ao frontal organizations