The teacher rationalization process by the Nagaland government’s Department of School Education has flickered significant unrest across the state, with communities and student unions taking drastic measures to protest the transfers of crucial teachers from government schools. The Department’s decision to transfer teachers mid-academic year, without adequate replacements, has been met with growing discontent, particularly in districts like Peren and Mangkolemba town in Mokokchung district recently, where schools are left struggling to maintain academic standards.
Zeliang students’ union shuts down educational offices
The Zeliang Students’ Union (ZLSU), the apex students’ body of Peren district, has closed down all educational offices in the district indefinitely. This comes after the Department of School Education transferred key mathematics and science teachers from several high-performing schools in the district without providing replacements, a move the ZLSU described as “academic cruelty.”
The affected schools include Government Middle Schools (GMS) in Punglwa, Nkialwa, and Mpai, and Government High Schools (GHS) in Mbaulwa and Tening. Despite their strong academic performance and high enrolments, these schools have been left without teachers for essential subjects, leaving students in limbo.
“We cannot stand by while our students’ futures are jeopardized,” the ZLSU said in a public statement, accusing the Department of violating students’ right to education. The union’s demands include the immediate withdrawal of the transfer orders or the immediate replacement of the affected teachers.
The ZLSU first issued an ultimatum to the Principal Director of School Education on September 9, 2024, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the transfer orders and the retention or replacement of the affected teachers. However, despite an extension of the ultimatum following a consultative meeting with the Deputy Commissioner on September 23, 2024, the government has yet to take action on the matter. With the extended deadline of October 8, 2024, now passed, the ZLSU has expressed deep frustration over the continued inaction.
After issuing multiple ultimatums to the government and extending deadlines for action, the ZLSU’s patience has worn thin. The union has now closed down all education department offices, including the District Education Office (DEO) and Sub-Divisional Education Offices (SDEO). With no tangible response from the government, the union has vowed to continue its protest until their demands are met.
“Science teachers are teaching English” in Mangkolemba GHSS
Similar frustrations are being voiced in Mangkolemba, where the Mangkolemba Town Students’ Union (MTSU) has appealed to the government to either retain or replace the sole Mathematics teacher at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Mangkolemba. The recent transfer notification has left the school on the brink of losing its only Mathematics teacher, which would severely impact students as they prepare for final exams. This was reported in this newspaper on September 16, 2024.
Wapongtoshi, President of the MTSU, told MT that GHSS Mangkolemba has been facing several challenges. Besides the impending transfer of their Mathematics teacher, the school is still dealing with the unresolved transfer of two English teachers without replacement earlier in 2023. These two English teachers were promoted to Assistant Headmasters (AHM) and transferred, leaving the school without an English teacher for its secondary classes.
“Currently, the science teachers are teaching English in the absence of a replacement,” the president said, urging the authorities to send an English teacher as soon as possible.
The MTSU president also added that despite informing the education department of the situation, no action has been taken, and the current academic year is nearing its end. While the department had assured them the issue would be addressed, no replacements for the transferred teachers have been provided so far.
When asked whether the matter has been solved, the MTSU president said because they were told the Principal Director and key officials were outside of the country for an educational tour, they are yet to receive any positive response. The president added that they will reach out again once the ongoing Durga Puja holidays are over.
Public questions rationale over mid-year transfers
The timing of the transfers, coming as students are nearing the terminal end of the academic session, has raised questions from the public. Many are questioning the Department’s rationale in transferring teachers during a critical academic period. “How does the Directorate of School Education transfer teachers in the middle of the academic session, and worse, without any replacement?” a concerned parent asked. “It’s hard to understand the logic behind such decisions. I’m wondering whether this happens only in Nagaland or elsewhere too.”
“Is it so wise for the Department to transfer the teachers in the terminal end of the academic session? They might be thinking that they have the Solomon’s wisdom,” another added.
While the Department of School Education has yet to respond to the growing outcry, critics have pointed out the detrimental effects these teacher transfers are having on students’ education. Mid-year transfers are particularly disruptive, leaving students without teachers for crucial subjects just as they prepare for exams. The Department’s failure to provide timely replacements only exacerbates the situation.