DIMAPUR — The Zeliang Students’ Union (ZLSU) has expressed strong opposition to the recent transfer of mathematics and science teachers from schools under Peren district, as part of the reported rationalisation of teachers by the School Education department.
In an ‘open ultimatum’ to the principal director of School Education dated September 9, the ZLSU maintained that the “ill-conceived and discriminatory decision” without having proper knowledge about the ground reality will have far-reaching and devastating consequences on the academic trajectory and future prospects of the students.
According to the union, the schools where teachers were transferred without replacement include GMS Punglwa with enrolment of 75 students (GT science); GHS Mbaulwa, enrolment 74 (GT science); GMS Nkialwa, enrolment 60 (both GT science and mathematics); GMS Mpai, enrolment 125 (GT science) and GHSS Tening, enrolment 36 (GT Science).
It went to state that the Government Middle Schools (GMS) and Government High Schools (GHS), which have been “wrecked by the recent rationalisation,” have the highest enrolment and are also the best-performing schools in the district.
Presenting the ground situation, the union, in the open letter, demanded immediate withdrawal of the transfer orders, retention or replacement of teachers in the above-mentioned schools and review of the rationalisation process to prioritise students’ interests.
While urging the department to explore alternative solutions in the interest of the students, the ZLSU cautioned that failure to comply with the union’s demands within 15 days will lead to the closure of all the educational offices including the district education office and sub-divisional education offices in Peren district, until the demands are fulfilled.
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