Slip between the cup and the lip

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]ood intentions don’t always end up right, but the fight that something good will always come out of good intentions is what keeps reporters going and journalism alive. A case in example is the recent fracas over the alleged anomalies in a government school which was highlighted in this newspaper with the intent of bringing the concerned authorities to address and remedy the anomalies.The initial report by this paper published on August 23 had inadvertently linked the name of a school whose records have proved contrary to the mal practice alleged in the article. The records were immediately set right with the paper correcting itself in its August 24th issue and placed on record (in the same manner it had previously highlighted the anomalies) the admirable performance of the students and staff of the Government Higher Secondary School, Chumukedima. So far so good. The slip between the cup and lip occurred in the subject of the editorial of the August 24th issue, which was based on the “Right to Educate or Agitate”. In this editorial references were made as examples to explore the topic, such as the ongoing agitation by the All Nagaland College Teacher’s Association who have gone on mass casual leave demanding, that their long pending arrears be paid. In the same tone the alleged anomalies in government schools from time to time of teachers appointments and facilities which never reach the students also found mention in the editorial. A reference was made to the most recent case of such alleged unscholarly practices in a government school and erroneously named the Government Higher Secondary School,(GHSS) Chumukedima The Editorial error is regretted and for which due apologies are offered to the Government Higher Secondary School from this same space where the error was made. The inconsistency between the front page news where the allegations were corrected and the editorial is contrary to what the staff might think of undermining the report in the front page In the first instance the expose on the anomalies practiced in a school were printed to draw attention of the authorities and the citizenry to the larger question of the manner in which the field of education is being addressed. There are two clear lessons that have been learnt in this case of a correct picture of wrongdoings in an institute of education being reported but attributed to a wrong party. First, that the fourth pillar in the society is for all and sometimes in this mission ‘anomalies’ can happen but which can be prevented from recurring again. Paradoxically there can be no smoke without a fire and that the field of education in the state is in need of immediate remedial measures Secondly, the party wrongfully linked to the allegations have done well to bring this mistaken identity to the attention of the public and state their position on the matter but it has raised questions as to why educators are silent on such mass anomalies pervading the system. It is time for a mechanism within the system of governance to promote and encourage government schools and teachers based on their performances. This feedback could be structured from a professional reputed independent committee who can assess this performance. After all the future of generation next is at risk and the entire direction that a developing society like the Nagas will take is too dearly and dangerously linked to the quality of education imparted right from the primary to the college level. And as for the aggrieved party, in this case the Government Higher Secondary School, Chumukedima, the good teachers here will also hopefully agree that the fallout has born a fruit. One that has contributed to reviving a dying debate of education in public sphere . Perhaps and hopefully when it comes to the subject of education they will also share the sentiments of Shakespeare when he made Hamlet say “there is something rotten in the state of Denmarlk”