School Development Under SAMAGRA SHIKSHA Nagaland: Addressing Urgent Challenges

Samagra Shiksha Nagaland is a vital educational program that must be recognized for its substantial contributions to improving both infrastructure and educational outcomes. This initiative encompasses the entire school education sector, from pre-school to Class 12, with the clear mandate to enhance school effectiveness by ensuring equal educational opportunities and equitable learning outcomes for all students. We must confront and rectify any instances of negligence within this framework to unlock its full potential.

Major Feedback
During the implementation of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), school infrastructure development was exemplary, with no complaints from any segment of the community. All improvements were executed by the school authorities, supported by the School Management Committee (SMC), free from any political interference. However, starting in 2024, we have witnessed a troubling decline in the quality of infrastructure, including insufficient toilets, needed repairs, and ineffective rainwater harvesting systems. This negligence is unacceptable.

The transition to a contract system for school development has resulted in shoddy work performed at minimal costs, leading to widespread dissatisfaction within the community. It is imperative that school infrastructure development remains independent of contracts and political machinations to safeguard the welfare and future of our students. Reports indicate that some schools receive funding between Rs. 22 to 23 lakhs, yet less than 5% of this amount is allocated for actual development. This is a disservice to our students, whose lives should never be compromised. Under no circumstances should individuals act without proper oversight from school authorities under political pressure. I demand that the State Mission Director Samagra and its officials take immediate action to review and rectify these pressing issues.

Implementation of the SMILE App
I unequivocally support the thorough implementation of the TAMS/SMILE App, a crucial digital initiative from the Department of School Education designed to streamline administrative processes. The government must:
1. Swiftly address any technical challenges that hinder the effectiveness of the app.
2. Ensure robust monitoring and implement necessary interventions for teaching staff and educational institutions to enhance accountability.
3. Extend the TAMS/SMILE App model to all state departments to promote greater transparency and accountability.

Teachers Training
The launch of Samagra Shiksha is a revolutionary initiative that must focus on improving the quality of education through continuous and effective teacher training. Teachers are accountable for the academic progress and development of our students, and we cannot ignore the alarming trend of poor examination results in many government schools, despite significant investments by the state government. It is essential to prioritize the effective implementation of the new educational policy in the state. We currently face significant negligence, as extensive training does not translate into classroom effectiveness. A thorough review of this department is non-negotiable and must happen immediately.

Rationalization Policy
The rationalization policy emerges as a critical measure against a system that has too often sacrificed quality for the sake of nepotism and mismanagement.

In many government schools across Nagaland, the imbalances are unacceptable. Some institutions are burdened with surplus teachers, while others, particularly in underserved rural areas, suffer from chronic shortages of qualified educators. Additionally, there are alarming reports of entire schools having minimal or no student enrolment despite an assigned cadre of educators, some teachers face language problem too. Therefore, I assert that the rationalization policy must be rigorously reviewed and meticulously implemented to address these disparities.

As Mahatma Gandhi powerfully stated, “Go to the villages and help the most wretched of all, for if you do not help the village, you do not help India, for India is a village.” It is time we take this message to heart and act decisively for the future of our education system.

(ASHENTO MAGH) RTD.
Former Head Teacher
GMS Tesophenyu Upper &
Government Best Awardee for Administration & Infrastructure Development