Shaky Dimapur Railway High School stares at uncertain future

Union Minister Rajen Gohain assures to revive school [caption id="attachment_115323" align="alignnone" width="560"] Rajen Gohain addressing the 65th anniversary programme of Dimapur Railway High School on Sunday, May 14, in Dimapur.[/caption] Dimapur, May 14 (EMN): For a school that once had around 1, 800 students now reduced to about 200, the Dimapur Railway High School is staring at an uncertain future. The insecurity over the condition, functioning and future of the Dimapur Railway High School (DRHS) was conveyed by its alumni of the 65 years old school during the closing ceremony of the school’s 65th anniversary on Sunday May 14 in Dimapur. Union Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain expressed concern over the present condition of Dimapur Railway High School. During the event, he assured to take up the issue of reviving the school with adequate infrastructure and course curriculum. Gohain was addressing the event as the chief guest at the 65 anniversary closing ceremony of the school. Gohain said that he has already discussed the matter with the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Northeast Frontier Railway at Lumding, Promod Kumar Jain and instructed him to look into the issue. “A governing body cannot be instituted as it will create problem” stated Gohain. However he said the DRM have been asked to constitute an Advisory Body on May 28 to run the school efficiently. He also assured that efforts will be made and try to convert the school into a CBSE school; develop the school infrastructure, upgrade the classrooms and construct a science laboratory besides toilets for boys and girls. The minister said it was social responsibility of the railways to look after the school. He maintained that the government has funds. He informed the gathering of school authorities and alumni that the railways cannot neglect it as it is a social responsibility issue of the railway department. Also, he expressed satisfaction to see a large number of former students ‘who have shown their concern for the school.’ He urged them to extend their cooperation to the institution. Guest of honour for the event was Member of Legislative Assembly from Bokajan in Assam, Dr. Numal Momin. The legislator expressed concern at the condition of the once-reputed school and assured ‘hundred percent commitment towards the school authorities’ in his capability to revive the school. Also, Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for Economics and Statistics Tovihoto Ayemi expressed optimism that the railway authorities along with the Union Minister of State for Railways would look into the ‘visible issues.’ At the same time Ayemi, the guest of honour of the event, requested Gohain to initiate work to upgrade the school either to CBSE or Nagaland Board of School Education. Further, Ayemi called for induction of local employees into the school’s organisation. He assured cooperation in his capability in reviving the school and assured the concerned school management that he will be addressing the issue with the state government to salvage the school. “It is difficult to imagine what the atmosphere was like for the first students who entered Dimapur Railway High School 65 years ago,” said Ayemi. “We can however be certain that their teachers and parents, just like now, would have dedicated themselves to developing the talents of their students, their critical thinking, and care and sensitivity for others less fortunate in the society.” Taking the opportunity presented by the presence of the Union Minister of State for Railways, Rajen Gohain and Railway officials, a memorandum was submitted to Gohain. The memorandum appealed for conversion of the school to CBSE; renovation of the school infrastructure with a ground; provision for basic classroom amenities, drinking water and toilets with running water.