Tuensang, 8 June (MTNews): The Chang Wedoshi Setshang (Chang Students’ Union) recently suspended the admission process for Class 11 after receiving an overwhelming number of applications. Approximately 780 students applied for admission to the two government higher secondary schools, surpassing the combined maximum capacity of 370 students. This prompted the Chang Wedoshi Setshang (CWS) to serve a memorandum to the Principal Director of the Directorate of School Education, Nagaland, highlighting the inadequate facilities and shortage of teachers in the existing schools.
Imkongsenla, Principal of GHSS Thangjam, confirmed that the school received around 333 online applications for Class 11, despite having a seating capacity of only 200. Currently, 130 students have been admitted, but maintaining a balanced student-to-teacher ratio remains a challenge. The Principal emphasized that while qualified students should not be denied education, ensuring quality education is equally important.
Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor for School Education & SCERT, acknowledged the responsibility of the education department in the situation. He assured that the department had already initiated steps to address the issue. Yhome announced that two teachers would be deployed in Tuensang, and the relieved teacher would be retained, as per the forthcoming order from the department.
Yhome explained that immediate school upgrades were not feasible and required the submission of proposals to the State Level Education Committee. The committee would evaluate the proposals based on the criteria of “need and necessity.”
Regarding the deplorable condition of government-run schools statewide, Yhome expressed concern over the aging infrastructure, most of which were built in the 1960s and 70s. Limited resources have impeded the department’s efforts to improve school facilities.
During a recent event in Kohima, Yhome shared his firsthand experience visiting Pungro (Kiphire), where he witnessed the dire state of classrooms built several decades ago. He expressed deep sadness and understanding of the plight faced by students studying in such outdated environments.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, accompanied by SDO Civil Sentilong Ozukum, visited both schools on July 7 to meet with institutional heads and discuss potential measures to address the issue.