Advisor acknowledges shortage in English and Political Science; school has 153 students from Classes 6 to 12
Nagaland Advisor to School Education Kekhrie Yhome has assured temporary teaching arrangements at Sungro Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) in Wokha district following a student protest over shortages of teaching and supporting staff.
Yhome acknowledged the shortage, particularly in English and Political Science, at the institution, which has 153 students from Classes 6 to 12. Talking to media on Thursday, he said, temporary arrangements would be made to ensure that students’ studies were not further disrupted.
The shortage followed the teachers’ departure on maternity leave. Yhome said the Directorate had not been officially informed of the leave, although the District Education Officer had been notified.
Regarding the progress of the English syllabus, he said around 50 per cent of Alternative English and 70 per cent of the regular English syllabus had been completed.
He added that the English teacher was expected to resume duty the following week, while temporary arrangements would also be made to cover the absence of the Political Science teacher.
The assurance follows a protest held on November 3, during which students and concerned citizens demanded immediate intervention to address inadequate teaching and supporting staff at the school.
On demands for additional personnel, including a carpentry instructor and seven Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) personnel, Yhome said some of the demands were beyond the department’s capacity. He also maintained that the school did not require such a large number of additional staff.
The demand for a dedicated Lotha language teacher, however, remains a challenge due to the absence of recognised academic qualifications for teaching certain tribal languages. As an immediate measure at Sungro GHSS, Yhome said the Hindi teacher currently posted at the school, who is proficient in speaking, reading and writing Lotha, could be engaged to teach the language.
Yhome said the department was working with universities and tribal literature boards to develop academic pathways for indigenous languages. While Angami and Sumi currently have recognised academic programs up to higher levels, the department is exploring certificate courses and postgraduate diploma programs to develop qualified language teachers for other communities.
