EMN
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 24
Dismayed over non-implementation of the Department of School Education’s (DSE) 2011 restructuring conditions in respect of primary/elementary section of the department, the Nagaland Government Primary Teachers’ Association (NGPTA) has issued a representation to the department commissioner & secretary for immediate implementation of the same.
The association cited that the department of School Education notification NO.DSE/RS/2011 Dated Kohima 21st July 2011 contained several posts allocated to the primary/elementary section including 1 post of Additional Director for elementary education, 3 posts of Joint Director for elementary & primary section, 3 posts of Deputy Director, 1 post of Assistant Director, 115 posts of Area Education Officers and Junior Education Officer for primary school. However, it alleged that till date the posts allocated to the section are yet to be implemented.
The Nagaland primary teachers feel deprived of the promotional benefits in spite of their sacrifices and dedication working loyally throughout the state, the organization stated and went on to cite that as per the department records, there are approximately 17,872 primary teachers including upper primary posted in 2608 primary and middle schools in Nagaland. It maintained that primary teachers represent the department in all the villages, colonies and blocks in towns, carry out education policies at the grassroots, represent more than 60% of the total employees in the department of School Education. Despite this, it lamented that it has become discouraging that they are the most neglected section in the department in terms of financial perks and promotional avenues.
The NGPTA stated that the 2011 restructuring of the department created possibilities for post upgradation and promotion avenues for other sections of the department and were promptly implemented, however, the department is yet to implement even the limited promotional avenues for primary/elementary section till today. It expressed that such disparity in the department between different sections is “unacceptable” and will create deeper discontentment amongst the primary teachers.
Towards this, the NGPTA suggested for the immediate implementation of the 115 posts of Area Education Officers by promoting senior primary teachers without delay; that the higher posts reserved for elementary/primary section should not be filled by bringing officers from other sections until members from primary/elementary cadres attain qualifying years to occupy them; or for total bifurcation of primary section by creating separate directorate for the primary section in Nagaland.
“The NGPTA strongly believes that the above mentioned points would lead to better management of Education Department and also do justice to thousands of dedicated primary teachers who are on the verge of retirement after serving the government faithfully for more than 30 years in the same Grade without any promotion in their career,” the representation stated.
The letter was endorsed by NGPTA president Heikieleung Zeliang, vice presidents Y Zubemo Ezung and Mesewe Chirhah, general secretary Kezhalesa Kin, joint secretaries Wepekha Wetsah and Chingpon Konyak, and treasurer Haichuya Kath.
