Education sector in Kiphire is in a state of despair; students suffer

Lipichem
Kiphire | September 3  

Education is a complex process which prepares the younger generation to shoulder adult responsibilities. However, this crucial sector fails in places like Kiphire, especially in government higher secondary schools because of shortage of teaching faculties in the institutions.  

Sharing the problem and pressure faced by the Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Kiphire, Principal Arvind Kumar, said that the higher secondary section of the institution should have minimum of six Post Graduate Teachers (PGT) but the institution has only three PGTs. Thus, some subjects are left untaught due to non availability of teachers. How students will give exams given the lack of teaching is a deep concern.

The Principal also said that the GHSS had six science and mathematics teachers till few years back but this year it was reduced to three because some teachers had either retired or were transferred with no reliever or posting. He informed that “We have highlighted this issue to the higher-ups but nothing positive has happened so far.”  

Accepting that the pass percentage of HSLC in GHSS has been very low in the past couple of years, the Principal noted that in HSLC, students have failed in major subjects. Fewer teachers mean added burden on the institution and more pressure on teachers.  

He disclosed that the school could have given admission to many Class 10 students who wished to study in the institution this academic year. But due to shortage of teachers, the two sections of Class 10 have reduced to one section and many students were denied admission.  

Furthermore, due to lack of teachers, several Class 11 aspirants were also denied admission, pushing them to move to Kohima and Dimapur despite their poverty.  

The Principal said that the Deputy Commissioner Kiphire, Sedevikho Khro, who is also the chairman of the school managing board, has visited the school and assured to look into the grievances. On August 31, students of the institution met the DC again in his official chamber and submitted a memorandum with regard to the shortage of teachers.  

HIGHER EDUCATION

Zisaji Presidency College (ZPC) is the only higher education institute in the district. A site for foundational human development and to create human capital to pursue self and societal development, this College is plagued with multiple problems.  

Interacting with this correspondent, Helen Jamir, ZPC Principal said that this is the only institution in Nagaland State where de-linking of higher secondary is yet to take place. Because of this, the College could not invite NAAC for accreditation and without the latter, “We will not get funds from UGC.” This keeps the College lacking in funds for its development activities.  

She, however, noted that for the College to delink Cass 11 and 12, we should encourage the schools in the town to upgrade to higher secondary schools so that the process of delinking starts sooner.  

If ZPC delinks, students will be left with no option but to leave Kiphire as the GHSS in Kiphire is already running short of teachers at the higher secondary level.  

Expressing her displeasure the Principal said, “If the government fails to provide basic infrastructure, why was the newly constructed campus at Alikhong inaugurated last year?” The Principal added that “We are being given step motherly treatment by the government.”  

It may be mentioned that the ZPC has 21 teaching faculty out of which around 50% teaching faculties are contractual employees who are either without post or against post.  

Jamir informed that it has been a year and half since the inauguration of the College campus last year but so far “we could not shift to the new campus and it is lying unused due to non availability of staff quarter, hostel, water, electricity and proper transport etc.”  

The Principal also informed that “the present College building leaks when it rains and students have to sit under such leaking roofs; when it is sunny, they are jammed like ‘sardines’ packed in a can.” Last month, the government provided one 26 sitter bus for more than 260 students of the College.  

She wished the citizens come forward and give full support and co-operation for the progress of higher education in the district leaving aside personal interest.