Peren schools face severe teacher crisis, claims Zeliang Students' Union, Nagaland

The Zeliang Students' Union representatives during their visit to a government-run school in Peren district.

DIMAPUR — The Zeliang Students' Union, Nagaland (ZLSU), has raised serious concerns over what it claims to be a severe shortage of teachers in government-run schools across Peren district, following its 2025 Native Village Tour conducted from April 8 to the 25th.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the union said these shortages have been worsened by the suspension of rationalisation orders, where affected teachers have neither returned to their previous postings nor reported for their new assignments, and their whereabouts remain unknown.

“Despite the Department of School Education's suspension of those orders in February 2025, no replacement directives have been issued to resolve the staffing crisis. This continued administrative inaction infringes on students' right to a quality education and places their academic futures in jeopardy,” the statement read.

the ZLSU demanded that all displaced teachers immediately resume duty at their original postings. Should any teacher fail to comply before new orders are issued by the department concerned, the union will pursue all available measures to secure accountability.

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The union also called for the Department of School Education to urgently publish a revised rationalisation order that reflects on-the-ground realities and prioritises student welfare, adding that students in government schools possess the same aspirations and potential as their peers in private institutions. Yet, administrative neglect and teacher absences continue to deny them their fundamental right to learn. Swift, decisive action from the government is essential to safeguard these children's futures.

The union also called on parents, village councils, and community leaders to actively monitor teacher attendance and performance and to report instances of non-compliance directly to the ZLSU, stating that their vigilance and cooperation are critical to ensuring remedial steps achieve a real impact for students.

It was mentioned that during the union's visit, the representatives met with over 500 stakeholders, including village council members, School Management Committee representatives, village elders, women's leaders, student leaders, youth, and senior community figures.

In addition to school staffing, the ZLSU noted that discussions centred on community-led stewardship strategies to safeguard forests and lands for future generations, promoting transparent governance while emphasising the ethical, informed use of the Right to Information and urging all social segments across age, gender, and role to work in solidarity, celebrate shared traditions, and foster mutual respect.