Ao Students' Conference questions fairness of teacher rationalisation process
Ao Students' Conference (AKM) expressed deep concern over the recent notification issued by the Directorate of School Education regarding the transfer and posting of teachers
- DIMAPUR — The Ao
Students' Conference (AKM) expressed deep concern over the recent notification
issued by the Directorate of School Education regarding the transfer and
posting of teachers across Nagaland.
- In a press statement, the AKM said that, while it
acknowledged the need for rationalisation in the education sector, the manner
in which it has been executed raises serious questions about the preparedness
and fairness of the process.
- The student body said that the process appears to have been
carried out without a well-structured plan, which has resulted in confusion and
disruptions in schools, particularly in rural areas where teachers are already
scarce.
- Further, it said that the teacher-student ratio in rural
areas cannot be measured in the same manner as in urban schools. Noting that a
single teacher managing multiple classes simultaneously is impractical and
detrimental to the quality of education, it said that rationalisation should
take this reality into account rather than blindly applying a one-size-fits-all
approach.
- The AKM advocated that the rationalisation process should be
conducted fairly and without political influence. Decisions regarding teacher
placements should be based on academic needs rather than external pressures. It
also maintained that teachers who are unwilling to serve in rural schools
should be given prior warnings. If they continue to refuse, voluntary
retirement should be enforced to ensure that only committed educators remain in
the system.
- Regarding schools in urban areas, which have an excess
number of teachers, it said that those should be prioritised in the
rationalisation process before affecting rural institutions already facing a
shortage.
- “The Department of School Education has turned the
rationalisation process into a mockery, lacking the seriousness and commitment
it deserves,” it said, adding that AKM will not stand by as a silent spectator
while “injustices and discriminatory treatment” are meted out to schools in
rural areas.
