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MLA Mmhonlumo Kikon at the inauguration of NIOS study centre in Bhandari on June 24.[/caption]
Dimapur, June 25 (EMN): MLA Mmhonlumo Kikon inaugurated the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) study centre at Government Higher Secondary School, Bhandari, on June 24.
Speaking on the occasion, Mmhonlumo termed the event ‘historic and a milestone’ in the educational history of Bhandari because it is the first NIOS study centre in Wokha district to offer senior secondary level courses and the second centre to offer secondary level courses in the district. Dedicating the study centre to the people of Bhandari sub-division, Mmhonlumo congratulated the school principal B Nellayappan and staff of GHSS, Bhandari, for taking the initiative with zeal of a missionary.
He expressed happiness for the progressive developments taking place at GHSS, Bhandari, and appreciated the principal and the teachers for enabling the school to attract more students than the nearby reputed private schools. He proudly stated that after the initial period of attaining Statehood, GHSS, Bhandari might be one among the very few government schools to have a healthy competition with private schools.
While acknowledging the love of the principal for the people of Bhandari, he requested the public to continue their support to the dedicated efforts of the principal towards the uplift of the school and the Bhandari area.
Mmhonlumo was distressed to know about the alarming increase in the dropout rate of students in Bhandari sub-division due to various factors such as inability of parents to meet the educational expenses of their children. He regretted that many young people have been deprived of attending school due to family constraints adding to the problem of unemployment existing in the sub-division.
He however expressed hope that the successful functioning of NIOS at Bhandari could solve half of the issues related with unemployment as continuing of education by the dropouts would empower them to face the challenges of life with confidence.
Mmhonlumo also expressed disappointment and anguish over the nil and poor results exhibited by many government high schools. Attributing to involvement of multiple factors, he suggested solving the issue through the dedicated efforts of all stakeholders. Stating that government needs to be sensitive to the requirements of schools and teachers, he said it will not be possible to bring reforms if government remains insensitive to vital issues.
He stated that students look at the teachers as role models and dedicated teachers are never forgotten by students even after decades. He advocated the policy of awarding the performing teachers with posting them at their place of choice and transferring out the non-performing teachers to faraway places.
The MLA also urged all government servants posted at Bhandari to be stationed at the place of posting and discharge their duties with devotion.
He urged all the NGOs and the people of Bhandari take ownership of the centre and ensure that each and every dropout student from Bhandari get enrolled at the centre and continue their further studies successfully.
The programme was chaired by B Mhabeni Odyuo, PGT, while the invocation was said by Whutsi Pfithu, PGT, and the welcome address was delivered by Yanbemo Lotha, AHM. Short speech on the scope of NIOS courses was delivered by B Nellayappan, Principal, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Shahlen Nyiam.
