Peren, September 11 (MExN): The Mpai Students' Union (MSU) has expressed support for the ultimatum issued by the Zeliang Students' Union, Nagaland (ZSU), regarding the ongoing teacher rationalization in government schools.
In a letter addressed to the Principal Director of School Education, the union voiced concerns over the acute shortage of subject teachers, particularly in mathematics and science, in schools within Peren district. They cited the Government Middle School (GMS) in Mpai village, where 125 students are enrolled, but the school faces a lack of language and primary teachers. The union emphasized that only one science teacher remains, who was recently transferred, disrupting the academic year.
To mitigate the shortage, the village authority has appointed three community teachers. However, the union criticized the transfer process for being conducted without consulting the School Management Committee (SMC), undermining its role in overseeing school operations.
The union denounced the teacher rationalization as a significant hindrance to children's education in rural areas and a demoralizing factor for students. They urged the School Education Department to meet the ZSU’s three-point charter of demands to ensure a fair education system and safeguard students' futures.
The residents of Nkialwa village have also expressed strong objections to the transfer of Math and Science teachers from GMS Nkialwa without replacements, following a recent rationalization move by the Department of School Education.
In a statement, the village leadership highlighted that the transfer, made in the middle of the academic year, will severely affect the students' academic performance. The school, which has the second-highest student enrollment in Tening sub-division, will face significant setbacks due to the absence of specialized teachers.
The Village Council, School Management Committee, and Nkialwa Students’ Union urged the authorities to reconsider the decision, citing concerns of "academic cruelty" and its negative impact on the future prospects of the students. They called for alternative measures to achieve rationalization goals without compromising the quality of education.
