EMN
KOHIMA, JULY 31
WITH reference to its representation submitted to the Chief Minister of Nagaland on July 21 for timely intervention into non-payment of post-matric scholarships, the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) on Thursday expressed dismay that the matter remains yet to be addressed and sought redressal for the same within a week’s time.
The union, in a letter, reminded the Chief Minister that the student community is facing “untold hardship” due to non-payment of their scholarship. “Now having no option to get justice for the students, it is once again to implore your good self to kindly redress the said matter on or before 7th of August 2014, failing which the ANCSU will be compelled to agitate through various democratic means,” the letter stated.
ANCSU also stated that the student community feels that it has been “intentionally victimized” with the enhancement of percentage of marks from 60% to 75% as the eligible criteria to apply for state merit scholarship scheme without prior information to the students. Pointing out that while the marking system of the Nagaland board is much behind comparing to other states/boards, the union observes that raising 15% at once is tantamount to discouraging students from availing the scheme.
ANCSU is of the view that the raising of percentage and the marking system should increase simultaneously and systematically so that more students are brought under the policy and the principle behind the policy is realized.
In this regard, ANCSU has demanded that the government review its order vide letter No.HTE/HE/Scho/21-3/2012 Dated Kohima 10th June 2014, for the interest and benefit of the student community who are the future of the Naga society.
The letter was endorsed by ANCSU president Tsukjem Longkumer, general secretary Katho P Awomi and education secretary Benjongakum Longchar.