DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 8 (MExN): The All Sumi Students' Union (SKK) and the Ao Students' Conference (AKM) have condemned a recent statement made by Advisor School Education & SCERT, Dr Kehkrielhoulie Yhome, regarding "non-recruitment of primary teachers for the next ten years" from Sumi and Ao tribes.
“We are deeply concerned about the implications of Advisor Yhome’s statement… which implies a decade-long exclusion of Sumi and Ao primary teachers from recruitment processes,” a press release from the two organizations stated.
It said that this announcement has sparked widespread outrage and distress within the two communities, adding that “such exclusionary measures not only undermine the principles of fairness and equality but also perpetuate systemic discrimination against the Sumi and Ao tribes in matters concerning education and employment.”
While acknowledging the Advisor’s initiative to enhance the education system and bring positive changes to the education sector, the SKK and AKM believed that the statement to “exclude Sumi and Ao tribes from primary teacher recruitment for the next ten years contradicts the spirit of inclusivity and equal opportunity that he aims to promote.” Such a statement is not only discriminatory but also undermines the principles of meritocracy, they stated.
The two organizations stressed that teachers should be appointed based on their qualifications, skills, and merit, rather than their tribal affiliations. “Our communities, comprising the Sumis and Aos, extend far beyond the districts of Mokokchung and Zunheboto alone. By limiting teacher recruitment in this manner, the Advisor disregards the talents and capabilities of our educated youth across the state,” they added.
Furthermore, they raised concerns about the future prospects of trained and educated students from both communities over the next ten years. Denying them opportunities for employment in the teaching profession deprives them of their rightful livelihoods and contributes to widening the gap of inequality, the two organizations pointed out.
Further, they stated that as teachers from the Sumi and Ao tribes retire, there arises a pressing need for their positions to be filled by qualified individuals from our communities. The Advisor’s statement fails to address this crucial aspect, raising questions about the government's long-term planning for the education sector, they added.
The SKK and AKM urged the Advisor to reconsider his statement and ensure that recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and based solely on merit.
