Students' union sets tuition fees, conduct code for students

Dimapur, June 9 (EMN): The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has listed out a number of rules with the objective to regulate decorum and conduct of students. In a press release that was issued to the media on Sunday, the union detailed the set of rules, or as the union called it the "students' code." It highlighted also a set of tuition fee rates the group stipulated for Kohima. The union conducted a meeting on June 7 in Kohima during which the decision to enforce the rules was taken, the union stated in the press release. Tuition fees The ASU listed out the tuition rates and private tuition fees for the public. The union has iterated its resolution that the tuition fee structure will be maintained in all Angami areas till further notice, the press release stated. The tuition fee structure for class 10 and under: INR 500 per student as monthly fee with five classes a week and minimum one hour for every class; home tuition rate at INR 2000 shall be charged as monthly fee with minimum one hour for every class. 'The ratio of teacher-students for a single tuition batch should be 1:6. The stated fee structure is strictly only for urban areas. The union endorses and directs all the units to formulate their own fee structure in their respective villages and jurisdiction." Further, the "code" of conduct the union listed was "necessitated keeping in mind the wellbeing of the daily affairs of the students as it has been brought to light that various detrimental activities are being blatantly committed by the students both outside and inside many institutions." The first of the rules stated that any student who is found at alcohol joints, cyber cafes or any other places in uniforms are "unacceptable during the school hours." In such cases, the proprietors of alcohol joints and cyber cafes will also be equally penalized, the union stated. Students in uniform roaming about during school hours shall be "thoroughly checked and monitored," it stated. Any students in uniform found "indulging in any immoral activities" shall be penalized "both inside and outside the school," the union stated in its second "code." Also, any threat or any form of disrespect to teachers etc., shall not be tolerated. "If any such incident occurs and if complaints are received then stern action shall be initiated against such insubordinate students," the group stated. Further, students forming themselves into gangs and involving in "gang fights" shall be seriously dealt with, the union stated. "Such practices must be discouraged by parents, teachers and the public by reporting any such gang activities." Again, the ASU warned that students in uniform who are found taking 'any intoxicants' or any form of "abusive substances" (sic) shall not be tolerated. "Such defaulting (sic) students if caught or reported and on confirmation of such acts shall be seriously dealt with," the press release assured. No driving for underage students An equally laudable 'rule' the ASU stated was that students who are not of legal age i.e., 18 years of age, should not drive. "Students in uniform below 18 years should not drive vehicles and if caught shall be panelised. Reaffirming the standing resolution in regard to the usage of govt. vehicles for dropping and picking up of students from schools is totally prohibited and will be panelised," the ASU stated. Other regulations the ASU stated was that students should dress appropriately and decently. Further, the union stated that the students' concession in transportation fare by taxis and buses must be strictly adhered to. "Any cases of breach or denial of concession must be reported immediately," the press release stated. Private institutions The organisation also listed out a couple of 'codes' for private institutions. "Some private colleges, schools and hostels are managed by individuals for profit and business leading to astronomical rates of fees with little or no facilities," the union stated. "Coupled with that, imposition of fines against failed subjects and absentees are prevalent. Therefore, it is strongly cautioned that such practices in some institutions are very well noted and necessary action will be initiated." The ASU reminded too that sale of any tobacco product in and around educational institutions was strictly prohibited. Violators of the restriction will be liable for any action by the union, the press release stated. The union has cautioned that any person who fails to comply with the 'norms' will be severely dealt with. The ASU urges the public to report to the union any case of failure to comply with the stated fees. Members of the public are requested to inform the union through SMS, or to call the convener of the union's public grievance cell at the phone numbers 8259013098, 9862288196, or 7005088681. "We also welcome constructive support and criticism from the Naga society as to contribute the bits that we are required to do and deliver."