Salhoutuonuo Kruse inaugurates upgraded Government High School Daklane in Kohima.
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KOHIMA — Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture Salhoutuonuo Kruse on Friday said that investing in education is investing in the future for society as a whole.
The minister stated this while addressing the inauguration programme of the newly upgraded Government High School (GHS) Daklane in Kohima.
Describing the day as auspicious, Kruse said the elevation of the institution from Government Middle School to High School fulfils a long-felt need of the colony.
Informing that the school was established in 1954 and upgraded to Government Middle School in 2002, she said Daklane Government School is among the oldest schools in the town and is located in its heart, making the upgrade significant for the community.
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She said government schools are a great support to society as students can study near their homes and access quality education irrespective of economic background.
Noting that parents come from different financial conditions, the minister said free education and dedicated teachers help bridge disparities and strengthen society.
Kruse expressed gratitude to the government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for initiating schemes to uplift citizens.
She also acknowledged the efforts of Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, stating that within three years, two middle schools in her assembly constituency—Midland and now Daklane—have been upgraded, along with the upgrade of GHSS Zubza and infrastructure support to other schools.
Emphasising that education shapes character and builds values to face life’s challenges, she encouraged students to make full use of the opportunities available and urged teachers to carry out their responsibilities with dedication and sincerity. Congratulating the school and the community, Kruse termed the upgrade of GHS Daklane an important investment for the future and the betterment of society as a whole.
Yhome pushes rebranding of schools
Meanwhile, Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, called for rebranding government schools in Nagaland and changing public perception about public education.
He acknowledged the landowners for their contribution to the institution and stressed that schools are spaces where children are shaped into future leaders.
Highlighting encouraging trends, Yhome said 61 new students enrolled at upgraded GHS Phezoucha this year. Over the past two years, 34 students have shifted from private to government schools, which he estimated could save parents collectively around INR 30–40 lakh.
He said many families opt for private schools due to mindset and perception issues, despite older generations having studied in government institutions.
Citing examples of Australia and New Zealand, where the majority attend government schools, he said quality public education depends on strong systems and governance.
The advisor informed that the department is redesigning school structures by improving infrastructure, administration, teacher management, curriculum, and learning outcomes.
Scholarships and music education initiatives are also being introduced, including collaboration with Japan’s Yamaha Corporation.
He urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to support and trust government schools, assuring that standards will be scaled up in the coming years.
Dr. David Sachu, SMC chairman of GHS Daklane, said the school was established in 1954 as a Lower Primary School, making it one of the oldest primary schools next to Ruzhukhrie GHSS.
After 35 years, in 1989, it was shifted to its present site and renamed Government Primary School Daklane following land donation by late Neikuolie Solo.
The school was upgraded to Government Middle School in 2002, and additional construction was carried out in 2019–2020 under Swachh Bharat Kosh through Samagra Shiksha.
It was officially upgraded to Government High School after approval from the State Level Education Committee on December 19, 2025.
With the upgrade, 22 students enrolled in Class IX in 2026, taking the total enrolment to 204 students with 24 teachers.
The welcome address was delivered by Kelechutuo Pienyü, chairman of Daklane Ward 7.
Earlier, the dedicatory prayer was offered by Khekavi Yeptho, pastor of Sumi Baptist Church, Daklane.