Nagaland Advisor for School Education & SCERT, KT Sukhalu addresses the 25th Anniversary of Nagaland Government Higher Secondary Employees Association (NGHSSEA) at Naithu Resort, Chümoukidima on October 8. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | October 9
The Nagaland Government Higher Secondary Employees Association (NGHSSEA) members were both lauded for their contributions as well as challenged on the crucial responsibility teachers in shaping the future generation and leaders as the Association celebrated its 25th Anniversary at Naithu Resort, Chümoukedima on October 8.
Speaking on the occasion, Special Guest and Nagaland Advisor for School Education & SCERT, KT Sukhalu acknowledged the teachers for the commendable service to the State as well as refraining from keeping ‘proxies’ among the GHSS teachers.
‘I really appreciate the performance of the Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), he said, reiterating what others speakers had stated earlier, including Principal Director of School Education Nagaland, Thavaseelan K who informed that the differences in pass percentage between private and government HSS in board exams was just 4%. At secondary level, the difference was around 40%.
‘Keep on improving on the performance that you are already doing…I hope that the secondary and primary section also will catch up,’ Sukhalu said urging the GHSS teachers to help change the public’s perception of the government schools which presently was ‘very sad.’
To this end, he revealed that the department is doing some exercise which may see GHSS teachers helping out in secondary section (even up to class 9) and indicated that teachers would be recognised for such services.
‘You’re responsible for tomorrow's leaders and they will be reflection of what you have done in your services,’ he added.
Sukhalu further noted that the teachers of GHSS enjoy good rapport and suggested they should also think about their counterpart serving in ‘interior’ areas and be willing to reshuffle.
‘Please take consideration and appreciate the difficulties face by your friends who are in interior areas,’ he reiterated throughout. ‘This is something I will not want any representation.’
On service matters, he said that a cadre review and proper service rules are needed so that it does not cause “heartburn” to the employees.
Proposal to increase DEO
The Advisor also informed that he would propose increasing District Education Officer (DEO) for GHSS from present 3 to 6, an announcement enthusiastically welcomed by members gathered.
Besides, he said that he would propose training for GHSS teachers at the State’s Administrative Training Institute for at least three months once they reach Vice-Principal position. For GHS, it was for Headmaster and Assistant HM.
This, he elaborated, was needed so that teachers are aware and able to manage administrative matters once they get promoted to the directorate and other administrative positions.
The Advisor also claimed under the able leadership of the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the cabinet has never “shied away from any of the proposals that we have submitted.”
If there are any other issues that you raise, we will definitely take care of it, he promised.
Meanwhile talking to media after the programme, Sukhalu said the recent agitation of All Nagaland Ad-hoc Teachers' Group (ANATG) 2015 Batch for regularisation is a legal matter and unless the court vacates its order.
‘A High-Powered Committee (HPC) has been constituted and we are in touch with our Advocate General and will examine all the legal aspects in what way we can you know address this issue,’ he informed.
The ANATG called off their strike on October 7 after the State Government, among others, agreed to set up the HPC headed by the Principal Secretary or Commissioner & Secretary within 15 days and submit its recommendation by June 2023 as well as resolve the service regulation matter within December 2023.
So, I hope that within this given time we'll be able to address this issue, he added.
Commissioner and Secretary School Education Kevileno Angami, meanwhile, said that possibilities and feasibilities of career progressions must be looked into and there is always scope provided if ‘we are united, unanimous and hard working.’
She further admitted that the department is apprised of various disparities in the school education as well as conditions of the higher secondary section, but noted that there is a process and procedure, and thus, takes time.
However, with people like the Advisor in the helm of affairs, we will be able to look into issues so that it benefits all of us, she added.
She also stressed on the importance of education and in the importance of the contribution of teachers in building the nation, the state and the society.
Emphasising on the importance of the role of teachers in such endeavour, Kevileno said that while many people talk so much about development, unless there are good human resources, such effort many not bear desired results.
Unless people are educated, aware, sensitise to be responsible and give back to the society to the society rather than just extracting, we will not be able to go very far, she implied.
In her address, NHSSEA President Karen Yepthomi said it was a beautiful surprise for the newly elected office bearers as it coincided with the celebration 25 years milestone of the association.
To honour the day, the association decided to publish photo souvenir by coordinating with each and every 670 employees to get personal photos and details, she informed.
Stating that the 25th Anniversary souvenir was not a typical souvenir, Yethomi said: “We are focused on you because you are important for the association.” Director of Education, Wonthungo Tsopoe also give a brief history of the NGHSSEA.
