Nagaland’s Education dept. launches probe into teacher absenteeism after video goes viral

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Directorate of School Education has launched an investigation into the alleged absence of teachers at Government Middle School Yanpha in Bhandari.

This action follows a viral video showing students stranded outside closed classrooms during school hours on August 16.

In response to the video, Principal Director of School Education, Thavaseelan K, has written to the Sub Divisional Education Officer (SDEO) Bhandari, seeking a detailed report by August 20, to initiate disciplinary action against the teachers involved.

As per the letter to the SDEO, the video which went viral on social media shows “students stranded outside the Govt. Middle School Yanpha during school hours on August 16 2024 as no teachers, including teacher-in-charge, reported for duty and the classrooms were closed”.

The video also featured a man claiming to be the School Management Committee (SMC) chairman, complaining about the lack of teachers and the head in-charge not answering phone calls. A parent was also heard voicing concern over the irregularity of teachers, who often commute from Dimapur, thus impacting the consistency in imparting education.

Meanwhile, the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) has also written to the Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, expressing concern over the “egregious state of substandard education at Yanpha Government Middle School caused by the blatant neglect and apathy of the teaching staff”.

This gross dereliction of duty, it said, compromised students’ education, depriving them of essential reforms and betraying the trust reposed by parents and the community.

Irked by the incident, the LSU demanded an immediate inquiry into the matter and sought stern disciplinary action against the erring teachers.

Further, it reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that students receive the quality education they deserve.

The LSU went on to assert that it would not “stand idly by while the students are deprived of their rights. We will not countenance further inaction. We expect prompt and decisive action to address this critical issue, regular monitoring to prevent future lapses, and a comprehensive overhaul of the education system to restore the community’s faith”.