Social audit on Samagra Shiksha scheme held in Longleng

DIMAPUR — The first phase district-level social audit and public hearing on the Samagra Shiksha scheme for Longleng district was held on September 21 at the VDB and VC conference hall in Longleng town under the chairperson of Moian Avennoho, DMA assistant district coordinator, Longleng.

A DIPR report stated that the social audit findings for 17 schools including GMS  in Tamlu village, GHS K Khel Tamlu, GPS Tamlu village, GHS Bura Namsang, GPS Bura Namsang Sector, GPS Bura Namsang (A), GPS Bura Namsang, GHS Kangching, GPS Kangching (A), GPS Kangching, GPS Netnyu, GPS Yonglok, GMS Shitap, GPS Shemnyuching, GPS Namhaching, GPS Ngetchongching, was presented by Rukuvi Pucho, block resource person from NSSAA, SAU, Nagaland.

The presentation was followed by discussions in the presence of Dr. Kevizakie Rio, joint mission director of Samagra Shiksha, and Richard, assistant coordinator (Account), representing the State Mission Authority, Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland.

After the discussion, it resolved to review and address the social audit findings and promptly implement corrective measures.

In the case of GHS Bura Namsang and GHS Kangching, it was observed that no professional courses on guidance and counselling were undertaken by any teacher. It, therefore, resolved that vocational education would be introduced in schools in a phased manner in the future.

Concerning the head teacher of GPS Bura Namsang, who has been absent from school since November 2022, the DEO/ADEO was instructed to take necessary action and submit the action taken report (ATR) to the director of NSSAA, SAU, within one month from the date of the public hearing.

In the case of the headmistress of GHS Kangching, who infrequently visits the school, the DEO/ADEO was directed to take necessary action and submit the ATR to the director of NSSAA, SAU within one month from the date of the public hearing.

Regarding the employment of six proxy teachers at GPS Ngetchongching, the SMC, VC and ADEO were tasked with taking necessary action and submitting the ATR to the director of NSSAA, SAU, within one month from the date of the public hearing.

Issues relating to poor school infrastructure, insufficient classrooms, lack of electricity and inadequate or dilapidated toilet facilities, it resolved to initiate necessary infrastructural improvements by utilising the next instalment of the NECTAR fund provided by the Education department.

The report stated that issues concerning the absence of drinking facilities, inadequate school uniforms, absence of suggestion/ grievance boxes, school safety pledges, first aid kits, and emergency contact information were discussed during the event.

Shortages of subject teachers in various schools including Hindi, English, and Maths were also discussed and decided to appeal to the higher authorities for necessary action.

Dr. Samuel Akho Konyak, EAC of Longleng headquarters and independent observer, urged the school representatives who were absent during the public hearing to report to the deputy commissioner in person. He also encouraged the SMC, SMDC, and village functionaries to fulfil their roles effectively in monitoring rules and regulations.

The event commenced with an introduction by Vepo Keyho, state resource person from NSSAA, SAU, Nagaland, who explained the concept of social audit and district-level public hearing. He emphasised the importance of social audit in ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of the scheme.

The programme concluded with the adoption of public hearing resolutions and a vote of thanks delivered by the chairperson.

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