DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 11 : BRINGING to light on the deteriorating education system in the State owing to government apathy, Kiphire Tuensang District Sumi Students’ Union (KTDSSU) claimed that Grade IV staff were compelled to teach main subjects in the absence of teachers in some schools.
KTDSSU made the observation during inspection to government offices, schools and health centres from August 26 to September 3 within its jurisdiction. KTDSSU president, Bothuka Yepthomi, and the general secretary, V Atoka Yeptho, said the union undertook inspection of school infrastructure and health centres provided by the government with the sole concern for educational development in the grass root level.
The Union was astounded to observe that owing to shortage of teachers in some schools, even the Grade IV staff were compelled to teach main subjects. The union expressed resentment and disappointed with the department for neglecting the primary schools and middle schools in which some schools have excess teachers and shortage in other schools. In this context, the union urged the education department to speed up the process of “Rationalisation” to mend uniformity of teachers for smooth functioning of schools.
KTDSSU was shocked to know that GPS building in Sitimi town is in deplorable condition which was built in 1985. Teacher in-charge told the visiting team that during rainy season, students were compelled to shift in two rooms extension given by SSA, which is hampering the normal classes during rain.
The union also alleged that GPS in Seyochung town and GPS Shothumi “A” buildings were on the verge of collapse where a total of 34 students and 50 students are enrolled respectively. It added that the roof of GPS Phisami building, which was blown off by the storm on the eve of April 18 has been left unattended till date.
The teacher in-charge complained that owing to roofless class rooms, students were made to huddle in one class room which has affected normal classes for the past 5 months. Teacher in-charge also added that during rainy days, many students hesitate to come to school leading to many drop outs in primary level.
In the light of the above stated circumstances, KTDSSU urged the responsible department to look into the matter and address the grievances and hardships faced by the innocent students and teachers, failing which the union has cautioned to undertake phase wise agitation.
The Union also visited government offices in Sitimi town and Seyochung town, where it observed that there is no permanent EAC posted in Sitimi town. The union has demanded permanent EAC post in Sitimi town. KTDSSU also strongly warned those officers posted there to be at the station and cautioned that stern action will be initiated against the erring officers.
The Union also found that two Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Sitimi and Seyochung were without doctor for several months and years. The doctor at Seyochung was said to be on a study leave and that of Sitimi attached to District Hospital Kiphire.
Considering the plight of the people, the Union asked the concerned department to deploy doctors at both the PHCs without any further delay. It also observed that the building of PHC in Sitimi was on the verge of collapse which was built in 1975.
The Union also found that Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Seyochung town has no building and presently running in a doctor’s quarter headed by Compounder with no ambulance. The Union strongly urged upon the government to provide enough facilities and basic equipments which are the needs of thousands of people living in eastern most part of Nagaland at par with other districts in Nagaland.
During the tour, the union interacted with the staff, Village Education Committee/ Town Education Committee chairmen and Town Health Committee/ Village Health Committee chairmen and urged upon them to shoulder communitisation role in their respective towns and villages.
Meanwhile, KTDSSU has thanked GBs, village council chairmen and colleagues for their cooperation and support during the tour.
