Kohima, October 27 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Wednesday highlighted the rising number of students resorting to usage of tobacco and alcohol and called for immediate intervention of all the stakeholders.
This issue was among the findings of the NSF Education Tour which commenced on October 12 this year. As part of the tour, officials of the Federation accompanied by leaders of its federating units visited various government-run educational institutions in districts of Dimapur and Wokha. The team also covered the Tseminyu Sub-division.
“One of the findings of the touring teams which call for immediate intervention of all the stakeholders is the rising number of students resorting to usage of tobacco and alcohol,” the NSF stated.
In this regard, the Federation appealed to all educational institutions to ensure that no student resort to such vices within the educational premises. Further, the federating units of the NSF and village level student unions must ensure that shops within 200 metres radius of any school/college do not sell any tobacco products, it asserted.
“More so, stringent actions must be initiated against any individual who acts in contravention of the above stated rule,” it added.
Meanwhile, the second phase of the exercise was carried out in Kohima district on October 26 during the NSF team took stock of the situation at ground zero pertaining to the implementation of various flagship programmes, students’ enrolment in the institutions, and availability of teachers while also taking stock of the infrastructural status of the institution.
“The team also interacted with the students and teachers in order to fully understand their grievances which have been further aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the NSF stated.
Further, the federation appealed to all the federating units and subordinate bodies of the federation to extend their fullest cooperation towards all the educational institutions within their jurisdiction and ensure that the process of dissemination of education is carried out smoothly. It also urged them to ensure that steps are taken for students who have been hit hard by the pandemic, particularly in the rural areas in order to help them excel in their academic pursuit.
The Federation informed that it would be touring all the districts within its jurisdiction and shall present a comprehensive report to the state government along with its suggestions once the entire exercise is completed within this calendar year.
