The Pathso Range Students' Union flags acute teacher shortages, irregularities, and absenteeism in Noklak schools.
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DIMAPUR — The Pathso Range Students' Union (PRSU) conducted an area tour from April 29 to May 4 to inspect and assess the functioning of government institutions in the Pathso range, Noklak.
During the inspection, the union observed a mixture of negligence and instances of individuals and the community going beyond their duties.
An update from the union stated that it was encouraged by the positive steps undertaken by the community for the improvement of schools in their respective areas. These include community initiatives to provide basic infrastructure and appoint community teachers.
It observed that at Government Primary School (GPS) Yokao, there are two community teachers, one sponsored by government-appointed teachers and the other jointly supported by Yokao Baptist Tuathih and citizens residing in Dimapur.
At GMS Tsuwao, there is a Hindi teacher sponsored by the community, and at Government Middle School (GMS) Lengnyu, there are two community teachers sponsored by the village council. There is also one community teacher each at GMS Pathso Nokeng and GPS Ekhao.
Despite these initiatives, schools in the range face an acute shortage of teachers. For instance, even with two community teachers at GMS Lengnyu, the number of classrooms exceeds the number of teachers, and the school is functioning with only one graduate teacher. Similarly, GPS Kingniu functions with three teachers for six classrooms.
In light of these observations, the PRSU urged the government to take action by providing adequate teachers and infrastructure in the schools.
Meanwhile, it reported irregularities on the part of some government-appointed teachers, such as failure to follow proper procedures while taking leave, random absenteeism, non-maintenance of attendance registers, and a lack of professional commitment.
It stated that the lone Mathematics teacher of Government High School (GHS) Panso, Kamalendu Kamal, is currently at his home in Bihar during this crucial academic period, without sanctioned leave. It was also reported that some teachers attend classes while intoxicated.
Stating that such negligence cannot be overlooked, the PRSU said that it is initiating necessary corrective measures and has called upon all teachers to uphold their professional responsibilities and give their best in their duties.