Advisor Yhome compares deplorable conditions of Nagaland govt. schools to ‘cow sheds’

Expresses concerns over dispensary in school building

DIMAPUR — Advisor for School Education and State Council of Educational Research & Training, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, on Tuesday addressed concerns regarding the state of government schools and the unauthorised use of classrooms at GMS Midland for a dispensary by the Health and Family Welfare Department.

When questioned about the dispensary operating within a school building despite an eviction order issued in July, Yhome acknowledged the health risks associated with housing sick individuals in close proximity to school children. “There are health issues… when you bring a bunch of school children and you have a dispensary catering to ill people, sick people,” he said. However, he also pointed out the common practice of resource sharing within the public sector, stating that such arrangements are permissible with proper authorisation.

Yhome admitted to being unaware of the status of a previously announced order declaring Saturdays as school holidays. He initially stated that the order should be out but later conceded that he was not fully informed on the matter.

Addressing the deplorable condition of many government schools, a recurring issue highlighted by the media, Yhome acknowledged the lack of maintenance and the need for government intervention. “Our schools were built in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, till the 90s,” he said, admitting that “We have not been able to take care of our infrastructure. It’s a very serious issue.”

He said that the government needs to take a position on the issue, stating, “We cannot be having schools like cow sheds.”