Two sides of the same coin

Several writers and educationists have written and have shared their vast knowledge and experiences on the two hierarchical educational institutions in our local newspapers. A matter of fact, secondary education and higher education are complimentary to each other and are both interdependent institutions catering to the needs of our people. From the very inception of our own parliamentary government formation following the statehood formation, the institution of elementary and secondary had been setup to run normal classes, upto 10th standard. The powers and functions of the official head who looks after this institution has been clearly defined by the concerned School Education department. It has been 52 years, since elementary and secondary institution came into existence in the State. On the other hand, the institution of higher secondary, even though it may be a foremost requirement, however, is a new born institution. It only came into existence some few years back. The staffing pattern suggested recently by the higher authority can very rightly be the appropriate example of a father and his son. It is like a son, who after marrying a beautiful girl sets up a new family of his own responsibility, and then tries to chase out his own father from their ancestral home while his father is still alive. This kind of practice is a curse according to our Naga customary law and religion point of view. I suggest that clear demarcation of powers and functions of these two institutions will serve better the very purpose of our constant specific aim and objective. Joint family system has merits in one way. but have more disadvantages in the other way. Coming up with separate building and other infrastructure facilities will make it more convenient in the setup of these two institutions. As education is a State subject, let the higher authority look into the matter at the earliest and take action conveniently for the larger interest of all. This, indeed, would be highly appreciated and welcomed by all. Thinoneisie Lhousa Kitsubozou, Kohima