Dr Asangba Tzudir
The above number ‘1166’ may not mean anything or to the reference used until one comes to know that ‘1166’ is a number pertaining to the number of aggrieved ANATG-2015 (All Nagaland Adhoc Teachers Group). It is a known fact that the very profession of teaching which is considered the noblest has remained ignoble for various reasons, so also the fact that demand for ones rights and claims have to reach the streets not knowing what to anticipate in the streets as a not so warm gesture of welcome.
There seems to be no end to the multiplicities of issue in the School Education Department and also one that seems to be the most ‘targeted.’ However, being one of the most important departments, it is important that quality education is delivered and as such the concerned department is also trying its best to keep the school running smoothly. Yet, problems and issues seem unending.
Coming to the issue of the Adhoc teacher’s demand for service regularization, as reported, their chronological series of events including suitability test culminating in their demand for service regularization adds to their ‘rightful’ claim so also in consideration of how ‘things’ work in Nagaland. This is also attested by one of their argument: “Government can absorb unsanctioned posts, why not us?” Also, another argument is that though ‘court case’ was cited as the reason, the ANATG was never impleaded. That, unless claims are exercised, the process in place finds difficult to take its own course of action and which is a painful wait.
For a batch that covers the period from 1995-2012, it is painful especially for those who joined service way back in 1995 and rendering ones service to the fullest possible without any service benefits. More painful though is to be work without any service security. This kind of painful feeling is something which others may not be able to feel it except for the one going through the experience.
As much as the importance that is being attached to the school education department, it is even more important to see to the security of the teachers. The non-understood ‘burden’ of having to work without job security requires a serious deliberation in the context of delivering quality education and also to bring out the best in a teacher.
There may be issues and problems galore and at the core is a genuine moral issue which lies at the core and from which the current demand has cropped up. This moral issue is something that affects the mental health of a teacher so also the overall well-being of the institution.
This moral issue is a genuine issue and concern of the 1166 Adhoc teachers who are ‘not able’ to teach with a clear conscience. That, their safety and security is of utmost importance and therefore the need for them to be ‘kept properly.’ The present nature of demand that has culminated after years of struggle, is a result of human conscience being pricked having lived a life of being denied.
While the Government’s main reason for withholding regularization is the court case, the ANATG has argued that they were never impleaded in the court case. As such, if this is the case there is no point delaying and stretching the issue of the aggrieved Adhoc teachers group. In the end, besides the security of the teachers, more so, is the security and well-being of the schools
(Dr Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
