DIMAPUR — The Eastern Nagaland Sumi Students' Union (ENSSU) has called upon the Department of School Education to urgently address a critical shortage of teachers in schools within its jurisdiction.
In a letter addressed to the department’s principal director, the ENSSU said that it had recently conducted the first phase of ‘educational tour’ from June 7 to the 11th, to assess educational infrastructure and teaching staff in its areas.
While maintaining that schools were functioning well, overall, the student union lamented a significant staffing gap.
Specifically, Government High School (GHS) Phisami requires an English teacher and GHS Sitimi has a shortage of general teaching staff. Both these schools fall under SDEO Seyochung.
Similarly, Government Middle School, Sukiur-B, which is under SDEO/DEO Shamator, urgently, requires Math and Science teachers, it said.
The ENSSU urged the department to promptly appoint qualified teachers to these positions to address the educational challenges faced by those schools and ensure that the educational needs of the students are met.
Furthermore, the ENSSU expressed serious concern over the continued absence of one Shunong Tikhir, a primary teacher at GMS Sukiur-B. According to the union, repeated appeals from the local community and school management committee for the teacher to report to her assigned post and perform her duties have gone unanswered.
Stating that Shunong’s absence is detrimental to students' education, the ENSSU urged the department to take prompt and decisive action, including potential disciplinary measures as per government service rules.
Among the institutions visited, GHS Sitimi and GHS Phisami were recognised as the best-performing schools, it added.