Dimapur, January 22 (MExN): More organisations have extended support to the 14 days ultimatum served to the Department of School Education (DoSE), Government of Nagaland by Yimkhiung Akherü Arihako (YAA), dated January 18, 2024 demanding deployment of adequate teachers at schools under Yimkhiung jurisdiction.
The joint students’ unions of Chessore area comprising of Chessore, Y/Anner, Sotokur, Longtoker, K Aiponger, K Longsor, Kelonger, Kiussowungto, Shiponger, Kiutsukiur, Kephor, Huker and Kuthur villages in a press release said that ‘the mute and lackadaisical attitude of the department towards the demand of the YAA despite numerous appeals is highly questionable and uncalled for.’
The joint students’ union, in accordance with the directive of YAA have restricted any admission processes to any government schools for the academic session within the whole Chessore area and also informed all the Heads of institutions, Headmasters and Teacher-in-Charges under Chessore area that all admission processes be kept in abeyance until further order from the office of the YAA.
While expressing hope that the department would look foremost into the welfare of the students and address the demand at the earliest, the union reiterated its unwavering support to the YAA in “this fight for social and educational justice.”
Further, the joint students’ unions of Khongsa block, viz Moya, Amikiuro, Betang, Fakim, Hakkomute, Khong, Khongjiri, Khongka, Khongsa, Longkhimvong, Lopfukhong, Mimi, Mutingkhong, Penkim, Salomi, Sangtsuwong, Thanamir, Thruntsuvong, Tsungdang, Tsurevong, and Vongtsuwong Village Students’ Unions have also extended support to 14 days ultimatum of YAA.
“In accordance with the YAA directive, the admission process for the current academic session will be totally restricted within the region of Khongsa Block, and therefore, all the heads of institutions under Khongsa Block are informed that the same is kept in abeyance with immediate effect until further intimation is made. Any institutions under Khongsa Block defying this will face befitting actions, and the defaulter shall hold accountable for any adverse consequences that may follow,” the union stated in a press release.
The joint students’ unions, while supporting the YAA demand, expressed hope that the department will ensure judicious and positive responses in a timely manner. “The growth and progress of schools and students cannot happen with the prevalence of shortages of teachers; otherwise, the department ought to take caution that when the situation goes out of hand, it will have grave consequences and the department shall be accountable for all,” it added.
The Yimkhiung Students’ Union Kohima (YSUK) in support of the YAA ultimatum said that a significant barrier to children’s educational progress is the shortage of teachers, especially in disciplines that are critical to the curriculum, like science, mails, English, and social science.
The union has therefore, requested the education authorities to act swiftly, as stated in the YAA ultimatum, in order to guarantee that children have access to qualified teachers and receives an extensive curriculum.
