Jetilo Apon
With the coming of SSA project to the village schools, there have being positive changes especially in the infrastructural developments and the deployment of new teachers. There have being rise of students’ enrolment after the implementation of SSA project. Government Primary Schools are upgraded to Government Middle Schools or new schools are inaugurated. Thousands of Graduate Teachers and primary teachers are appointed under this scheme. The schools are now under the prerogative authority of the local committee due to Communitisation of Public Institution Act 2002. It is one step forward towards revival of the traditional Morung in the village. Out-of-school children are been enrolled in the school. There has been very less child out-of-school ever since the introduction of SSA schemes.
Mid Day Meal is another attraction to the students. However, it is noted that only rice (sometimes, worm infested) would be issued from the department. Rice alone cannot be served as Mid Day Meal because there is no attractive aroma when cooked alone. Therefore, some teacher’s in charge/head teachers would sale out the rice and in exchange buys noodles, biscuits etc. and serve it till it get exhausted before the end of the directed duration of months. Village students would eagerly anticipate for the arrival of next Mid Day Meal.
On the other side of the story, issuance of free texts books on time or at the beginning of academic session from the concern department is not that efficient till date. This contributes a lot of confusions among the students and teachers. There was a year when text books were issued only in the middle of the year/academic session. Otherwise, free text books serve lots of government’s objectives and are very helpful.
Free school uniforms, rain coats, school bags, umbrella, instrument box, etc. are another attraction towards the students’ community. But, there are some schools who had not received all these facilities adequately. It is the wish of every teachers and parents that whatever sanction/scheme/project are have to be properly executed in letter and spirit for quicker fulfilment of the vision of Universalisation of Elementary Education.
Three months Teacher’s salaries are to be credited at the VECs Account in advance where as five to six months salaries are not paid to the teachers. Interestingly, “no work no pay” is still enforced.
Even though the concern department is trying all the possibilities to improve the education system in the state, according to Office Memorandum No.DSE/EST/STUDY-LEAVE/1-47/2014 (pt), Dated Kohima, the 26th June, 2016, there are still as many as 11,982 (eleven thousand nine hundred eighty two) untrained teachers teach in the public schools. Big “thank you” to selection committee/recruitment agency. There is acute shortage of teachers in the public schools even after “Rationalisation” process is done.
As far as quality education or improvement of teaching-learning outcome is concern, newly recruited teachers are making progressive differences. There are some teachers who remain dedicated and committed in the mission field despite of government’s indifferent attitude.
What is to be accomplished when an educational mission is only on the plain paper and lips services with misappropriations of cores of rupees and full of false promises? Teachers’ day is just is a week away, I hope the government will be sincere and honest to celebrate this auspicious day of the teachers who are the agents of changes at the grassroots level. How pleasant it would be if the Christian Government is serious with state’s education system as much as parents are concern with their own children’s education.
