Longleng to take immediate action against proxy teachers; action taken report within 1 month

DIMAPUR — Marking a significant milestone in educational accountability, the Social Audit Unit of Nagaland State Social Audit Agency (NSSAA) conducted the second phase of the district-level social audit public hearing under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for Longleng district at the VDB and VCC Association Conference Hall in Longleng on Thursday.

During the public hearing, the house passed 15 resolutions, including decision to take immediate action against 10 identified proxy teachers and enhancement of amenities in schools across Longleng, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing challenges, ensure transparency and improve the education sector.

As per an update from DIPR, the audit for the fiscal year 2022-23 encompassed 24 schools in 13 villages, including Yongam, Yongshei, Shamshanching, Yongnyah, Tangha Sanglu, Pongo, Hongnyu, Yongphang, Auching, Sakshi, Yimchong, and Yangching in Lonleng district.

Chairperson of the programme, Moian Avennoho, who is also Assistant District Coordinator for Samagra Shiksha in Longleng, emphasized the importance of social audit in promoting transparency, accountability, and community involvement within the educational framework.

Speaking at the event, Assistant Director of NSSAA, Social Audit Unit, Imlirenla Sanglir underscored the significance of adhering to proper procedures and guidelines to ensure inclusivity and equitable quality education.

Dr. Samuel Akho Konyak P, EAC of Longleng Hq and in-charge of Yongnyah Circle, expressed concern over the detection of proxy teachers during the social audit process and assured to initiate appropriate corrective measures on the matter.

He also stressed the need to rationalize the distribution of teachers across different districts to maintain a balanced ratio for effective education delivery.

District Resource Person, Toshimanen Jamir, presented the findings during the public hearing and meticulously addressed the issues identified during the social audit, ranging from shortage of teachers, presence of proxy teachers, to inadequate facilities and safety concerns in the schools.

According to the update, representatives from the Samagra Shiksha State Office, led by Sr. Accountant (SMO) Imlikokba Aier, explained and clarified various issues raised by the house during the hearing.

The public hearing attended by officials from ADC, DEMO , staff, head of the schools, teachers, SMC SMDC, Village functionaries, parents, student representatives, VLOs, and media personnel.

Resolutions passed to address the identified challenges:

* Immediate action is to be taken against identified proxy teachers in GPS/GMS Auching (3 proxy teachers), GHS Sakshi (1 proxy teacher), GMS Yongam (4 proxy teachers), and GPS Hongnyu (2 proxy teachers).

* EBRC is mandated to coordinate and regularly monitor schools to ensure effective implementation of educational programmes.

* SMDC and SMCs, with community contributions, are tasked to assist schools in provisioning clean drinking water for schoolchildren.

* Initiate sensitisation programmes for SMCs, SMDCs, and SAFT (School Audit and Follow-up Team).

* Rationalise the distribution of teachers posted in different districts, with consultation from respective District Education Offices.

* Allocate an unused school grant of INR 25,000 to ADC  DEMO, Longleng, for further necessary actions.

* Advocate judicious utilisation of school grants for intended educational enhancements.

* Emphasise the construction of separate toilets for boys and girls in schools to ensure sanitation and hygiene.

* Prioritise the provision of clean drinking water to schoolchildren for their health and well-being.

* Issue larger-sized uniforms, two sizes larger than the normal measurement, to accommodate students effectively.

* Ensure electrification of all schools to create a conducive learning environment.

* Encourage the continuation of School Safety Committees (SSC) within educational institutions.

* Display School Safety Pledge prominently in school campus for awareness and adherence.

* Implement corrective measures for issues identified in KGBV Hostel to enhance overall safety and well-being.

* Mandate the submission of Action Taken Reports (ATRs) within a month, effective from November 25 2023, to track progress on the resolutions adopted during the public hearing.