KOHIMA, JULY 23 : Concerned over various “detrimental activities” reported to be 'blatantly committed' by students both in and outside 'many educational institutions,' the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has on Saturday issued a code of conduct for students 'keeping in mind the wellbeing of the daily affairs of the students.'
In a release today, the ASU's vice president Zekuseto Natso and general secretary Visako Rino stated that the code would also cover 'other factors' which they stated were contributing towards delinquency. The organization has sought cooperation and support from the community.
The code of conduct include the following: Students found in alcohol joints, cyber cafes or any other places, when in uniforms during school hours will invite action against the proprietors of alcohol joints and cyber cafes. They will also be equally penalized as much as the erring students would be. Students in uniform roaming about during school hours would be thoroughly checked and monitored; any student in uniform found indulging in any 'immoral activities' will be penalized both in and outside the school. If any threat or any form of disrespect to teachers are found, such cases will not be tolerated. If any such incident occurs and if complaints are received, the organization has assured of stern action against insubordinate students.
Also, the union cautioned students against forming gangs and involving in 'gang fights.' Stating that such practices must be discouraged by parents, teachers and the public, all in concern are to report such activities. The ASU stated further that it would not tolerate students in uniform found taking any intoxicants or any form of abusive substances. It warned errant students that if they are caught or reported—and on confirmation of such acts—they will be seriously dealt with.
Expressing concern over students in uniform, and below 18 years, driving vehicles, the organization warned that if any such cases are found, penalty will be served. The ASU also reaffirmed a standing resolution strongly discouraging the use of government vehicles for dropping and picking up students from schools.
Other codes included advising students to dress appropriately and decently; any case of abuse amounting to harassment of students shall not be tolerated; concession of students transportation fare by taxis and buses must be strictly adhered to, and breach or denial of concession to be reported immediately; sale of any tobacco products to be strictly prohibited in and around educational institutions and violators will be liable to any action by the union for the welfare of the students.
ASU also highlighted that some private colleges, schools and hostels are managed by individuals for profit and business, leading to exorbitant rates of fees with little or no facilities. Coupled with this, it pointed out the prevalence of imposition of fines against failed subjects and absentees, and strongly cautioned that such practices in some institutions were being noted and necessary action will be initiated.
The union has also reiterated its resolution on tuition fee structure to be maintained and adhered to in all Angami Jurisdiction till further notification. The given structure stands as follows- for class 10 and below- Rs.300 per student per month with 5 classes a week and minimum 1 hour for every class; for class 11 and 12- Rs.400 per student per month with 5 classes a week and Rs.200 per student for classes every alternate day i.e. 3 classes in a week and the minimum duration for every class should be 1 hour; home tuition rate – Rs.1000 only shall be charged as monthly fee with minimum 1 hour for every class. It informed that the teacher/students ratio for a single tuition batch should be 1:6. The union cautioned any person who fails to comply with the norms.
While urging the general public to notify the ASU office in any case of non-compliance, the union invited all to contact its office below All India Radio Station, Kohima for any queries or complaints.
