MOKOKCHUNG, NOVEMBER 2 (MExN): The Ao Senden, Watsü Mungdang, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) and Ao Riju (Ao Academy) on Saturday issued a joint representation to the Advisor of School Education and SCERT, highlighting critical issues affecting the education sector in Mokokchung district.
The representation, seeking immediate action to address the acute shortage of qualified language teachers and the pressing need for improved infrastructure in government schools, comes in the wake of AKM’s visit to 198 government schools in Mokokchung district.
Schools identified with teachers shortage include GMS Aonokpu, GMS Yajang A, GMS Tsurmen, GHS Tzurangkong, GPS Aosungkum, GPS Aoseden, GPS Aokum, GPS Watiyim, GPS Medemyim, GMS Chumgtiayimsen, Yajen Aier GHS Mopungchuket, GMS Salukong in Chakpa, GPS Lakhuni, GPS Akumen, GMS Longzung in Chuchuyimlang and GMS Nokpu.
In addition to teacher shortages, several schools were identified as needing new infrastructure, the representation noted. Citing instance, it revealed that GPS Mangkolong in Mopungchuket requires more classrooms to accommodate its students. GMS Mangkolemba lacked classrooms for early classes and does not have an office for the head teacher. GPS Longtho has insufficient classrooms for its students, while GPS Aonokpuyimsen does not have an office for the teaching staff and teacher in charge. GPS Alongmen also needs additional classrooms to meet the demands of its student population.
The representation highlighted a significant shortage of language teachers in government schools. While some teachers are familiar with local languages, many lack professional training, having not completed the Language Proficiency Examination administered by tribal Literature Boards. This lack of training has created confusion regarding grammar and spelling in vernacular languages, which are complex subjects requiring specialized instruction, it pointed out.
It expressed concern that the current policy of engaging any teacher acquainted with a mother tongue to teach that subject undermines the teaching-learning process.
Moreover, the representation raised issues with the mandatory teaching of English in all schools. It argued that offering Alternative English as a Modern Indian Language (MIL) discourages students from opting for their mother tongue, adversely affecting their vernacular language acquisition. This concern aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for the use of home languages in early education, ideally until at least Grade 8, it maintained.
The representation also pointed to the plight of students seeking higher education. In Mokokchung district, there are only five government higher secondary schools (GHSS) compared to 35 government high schools (GHS). Despite recent upgrades to GHSS in other regions, not a single GHS in Mokokchung has been upgraded since 2011. Consequently, many students are compelled to pursue higher secondary education away from home, leading to financial strain on families, it stated.
To address these urgent needs, the representation urged that authorities prioritize the appointment of qualified language teachers and reconsider the policy of offering Alternative English as an MIL subject. Untrained teachers or those unable to fulfill their roles due to health issues be given compulsory retirement to accommodate the recruitment of trained teachers in government schools, it suggested.
Shortage of Teachers:
1 |
GMS Aonokpu |
Students-19 Teachers- 7 Classrooms-10
|
No Math and Science Teacher.
Shortage of Teachers.
|
2 | GMS Yajang A
| Students-45 Classrooms-10 Teachers- 5
| No Hindi Teacher /Math Teacher since 2017. |
3 | GMS Tsurmen | Students-41 Classrooms-10 Teachers- 5
| Shortage of teachers. |
4 | GHS Tzurangkong | Students-129 Teachers-13
| Shortage of Teachers.
No English teacher. |
5 | GPS Aosungkum | Students-17 Teachers-3 Classrooms- 5
| Shortage of teacher
No Hindi teacher. |
6 | GPS Aosenden | Students-24 Teachers-4 Classrooms-5
| Shortage of teachers. |
7 | GPS Aokum | Students-15 Teachers- 5 Classrooms-5
| Shortage of teachers. |
8 | GPS Watiyim | Students-77 Classrooms-7 Teachers- 6 | Shortage of teachers. |
9 | GPS Medemyim | Students-54 Classrooms-6 Teachers- 6 | Shortage of teachers. |
10 | GMS Chumgtiayimsen | Students-187 Teachers- 12 | No English teacher.
Hindi teacher (PT) taking class till 6 only. |
11 | Yajen Aier GHS Mopungchuket | Students-40 Teachers- 14 | No Math teacher. |
12 | GMS Salukong, Chakpa | Students-27 Classrooms-7 Teachers- 5 | No Math and Science Teacher. |
13 | GPS Lakhuni | Students- 20 Classrooms-6 Teachers- 5 | Shortage of teachers |
14 | GPS Akumen | Students- 39 Classrooms-5 Teachers- 5 | Shortage of teachers |
15 | GMS Longzung Chuchuyimlang | Students- 44 Teachers- 10 | Shortage of teachers.
|
16 | GMS Nokpu | Students- 76 Teachers- 12 | No Math Teacher.
|
Schools in need of new infrastructure for Office and classrooms: | ||
Sl. No | Name of the Schools | Issues in Need of Immediate Solutions |
1 | GPS Mangkolong, Mopungchuket | In need of more classrooms |
2 | GMS Mangkolemba | No classroom for E- class or smart class No office for Head Teacher |
3 | GPS Longtho | Less classroom |
5 | GPS Aonokpuyimsen | No office for the teaching staff and the Teacher in-charge |
6 | GPS Alongmen | In need of more classroom |
