KOHIMA, AUGUST 13: Stressing on the importance of building up a strong foundation at the pre-primary level to improve quality of education, minister of School Education and SCERT, Yitachu, called upon the teachers to be sincere in their duties to mould children from the pre-primary level for a better tomorrow.
Speaking as the chief guest at the 4th Graduation Day ceremony of Modern Institute of Teachers Education (MITE), Kohima, Yitachu said more focus was made on middle schools and above in the past years. However, he asserted that there would be no improvement in the education system without a strong foundation at the lower levels. Hence, he pointed that pre-primary level of education has to be taken up seriously.
While regretting that government schools do not have students despite huge number of qualified teachers, he urged the teachers to have true commitment and dedication towards their professions.
Pointing out that there are about 2 lakh students in the government schools across the State, Yitachu expressed apprehension that peace and cohesive existence could never be established if the students are not given proper care. In this regard, he urged the teachers to be willing to serve even in the remotest places, so that students from the poorest of the poor and the weakest section of the society get equal opportunity and privilege to education.
Teachers were also called upon to set up their vision of sacrifice so that whatever they have learned and trained is not wasted.Also congratulating the B.Ed graduates, Yitachu pointed out that though the number of educated people is increasing every year, ‘only the best equipped will be able to survive.’ Reminding that the government had made B.Ed compulsory for teachers, he said only those having the requisite B.Ed qualification were allowed to sit for the recently qualified Teachers Eligibility Test.
Yitachu also informed that even the in-service government teachers are undergoing batch wise B.Ed training, adding that 14,000 more are yet to be covered. He said it would be mandatory for in-service teachers to get B.Ed qualification for their annual increments and promotions.
Also mentioning that about 200-300 teachers retire from service every year, he said the department had put up proposal to the State government to lift the ban on teachers’ recruitment. In this regard, he said once the cabinet approves the proposal, teachers with B.Ed qualification would be recruited without any manipulation.
Briefly highlighting its achievements, MITE Managing Director, Pelee Hekha informed that out of the total 96 candidates from the Institute, 84 could clear B.Ed exam 2015 with a pass percentage of 88%. Arenmenla Jamir secured 4th rank amongst the top-ten.
Hekha also informed the minister that under the new two years B.Ed course, trainees need to undergo around 4 months practice training, while no schools are willing to provide such long period of training. He requested the department of School Education to open doors for the trainees.
The ceremony started with Thungyani M Erui pronouncing the invocation, while trainees of 2016-18 batch presented the welcome song, and batch of 2015-17 presented cultural dance. The programme concluded with benediction offered by Manyei Kuhmeishu.
