DIMAPUR, AUGUST 12 (MExN): The Eastern Naga Students' Federation (ENSF) has informed that it conducted a tour across Eastern Nagaland, from July 29 to August 7 to investigate the grievances faced by teachers and students in the region.
This initiative was prompted by growing concerns over the state of education in the area, with the ENSF seeking to highlight critical issues that require urgent attention.
One of the most pressing concerns uncovered during the tour was the severe shortage of teaching staff in many schools across Eastern Nagaland. The ENSF reported that this shortage is not only compromising the quality of education but also placing an overwhelming burden on the existing teachers.
"The shortage of teachers not only affects the quality of education but also increases the workload and stress levels of the current staff," the federation stated, emphasizing the need for immediate government action. The ENSF called on the concerned department and the state government to expedite the recruitment process to fill these vacancies. They believed that by assigning qualified teachers to the affected schools, the government can significantly improve the learning environment and educational outcomes for students, while also alleviating the pressure on current staff.
Another critical issue brought to light during the tour was the delay in salary payments for teachers. The ENSF revealed that many teachers are experiencing significant financial hardships due to these delays, which in turn affects their motivation and ability to focus on their work. "Timely salary payments are a fundamental right and essential for the well-being of teachers," the ENSF asserted, urging the state government to prioritize the prompt disbursement of salaries. The federation stressed that regular payment is crucial for maintaining teacher morale and ensuring their financial stability.
The tour also highlighted the poor infrastructure in many schools, which the ENSF described as being far from acceptable. Many schools in Eastern Nagaland are operating with inadequate classrooms, poor sanitation, and insufficient learning resources.
"Poor infrastructure not only affects the comfort and health of students and teachers but also hampers the overall quality of education," the federation observed, calling for urgent infrastructural repairs and upgrades to create a more conducive learning environment.
In addition, the ENSF found that the untimely release of student uniforms and textbooks is a significant problem in the region. The federation noted that the delay in providing these essential resources has left many students unprepared for their studies, negatively impacting their academic performance.
The ENSF urged the authorities to streamline the distribution process for uniforms and textbooks, ensuring that students receive these resources promptly to support their education and reduce stress on both students and teachers.
Lastly, the ENSF pointed out that frequent and extended teacher training programs at the district and state levels are disrupting regular classes, negatively affecting students' learning experiences. The federation suggested that these training sessions should be balanced with classroom instruction to maximize teaching time and ensure continuous, uninterrupted learning for students.
