Principal Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 28
Parliamentary Secretary for School Education Yitachu has mooted the idea of re-examining the literacy rate of Nagaland as despite the high literacy rate of 80.11% Nagas lack in sustainability and yet to reach the desired level of education.
Addressing the golden jubilee celebration of Directorate of School Education (DSE) here on Friday, Yitachu said 50 years is a long period while asking whether we should be happy with 80.11% literacy rate or whether we should go into detail examination.
Noting that the first and foremost purpose of education should be to sustain our generation, he said if it is not capable of doing that than the right education has not been imparted. “Therefore, I feel we have to go into detail of the literacy rate,” he said.
He observed that the Naga people within a short span from the culture of head-hunting is now living with the latest fashion trend of the world. “We are people capable of transforming things for good, and even if there are problems and issues, Naga people have the confidence to overcome it,” he said.
Nonetheless, the Parliamentary Secretary lamented that the education system in the State has been reduced to strike, bandh and protest, which requires a re-think.
Yitachu also felt that those in authority should attend to the issues before it becomes a problem while those demanding their rights should also have certain level of understanding. He said while making an indirect reference to the agitations launched by different organizations of the Education department in the past few months.
He also regretted that the education system in the State has been unable to educate people to be civilized as the government properties are not being taken care of while official quarters are being occupied as private residences. “We should educate our people to respect and care government/public properties,” he said.
On transfer and postings, Yitachu observed that some teachers were in the habit of seeking transfers at places where no government schools and students exist while the DSE accepts the transfer without actually going into the details.
In this way, they are depriving the poor needy children in the remote areas, he said.
He also informed that the State government has decided to complete the staffing pattern and rational posting of teachers in all the government schools by February 2015.
Stating that no students wanting to study can be deprived, he asked the VECs and school authorities to submit the shortfall of teachers in their areas. With regard to mathematics and science teachers, he expressed hope that the vacant posts can be filled within next 4-5 months as many local youths are pursing these subjects.
He also stressed that it is high time that the DSE takes corrective measures where it has gone wrong, improve where it has done well and re-strengthen the good achievements. The functioning of the department will be perfect and goods can be delivered as desired once the system is set right from top to bottom, he stated.
Stating that the biggest problem faced by the department is the attendance of its employees because they are not sincere, he said starting from the DSE, biometric system of attendance would be maintained in offices of DEOs/SDEOs and government schools from next year.
Congratulating the department for attaining 50 years of service, he called upon the department officials and staff to impart value based education in the State by rededicating and committing themselves to do better beyond 50 years. “Let us rededicate and work hard to reach out to every section of the society,” he appealed.
Further, the Parliamentary Secretary also called upon the Naga people to broaden the horizon by coming together as a Naga and not a village, tribe or district.
Yitachu also released the Directorate of School Education jubilee souvenir. Commissioner & Secretary School Education, M. Patton, also exhorted the gathering.
The programme was chaired by Director Zaveyi Nyekha while Additional Director Limawabang Aier tendered the vote of thanks. Special numbers were presented by Monitoring Cell, DSE and Dy. Director Aremo Ezung.
Parliamentary Secretary CAWD and Economics & Statistics R. Tohanba and MLA Toyang Changkong Chang along with representatives from sister departments also joined the celebration.
