The 1st Phase Social Audit District Level Public Hearing under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme for Longleng District took place on 21 September 2023 at the VDB & VC Conference Hall in Longleng Town, DIPR said.
The presentation of Social Audit findings for 17 schools, including GMS (B) Tamlu village, GHS K Khel Tamlu, GPS Tamlu village, GHS Bura Namsang, GPS Bura Namsang Sector (B), GPS Bura Namsang (A), GPS Bura Namsang (C), GHS Kangching, GPS Kangching (A), GPS Kangching (B), GPS Netnyu, GPS Yonglok, GMS Shitap, GPS Shemnyuching, GPS Namhaching, GPS Ngetchongching, was conducted by Rukuvi Pucho, Block Resource Person from NSSAA, SAU, Nagaland.
Following the presentations, discussions ensued with Dr Kevizakie Rio, Joint Mission Director of Samagra Shiksha, and Richard, Assistant Coordinator (Account), representing the State Mission Authority, Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland.
Resolutions Adopted were:
To review and address the Social Audit findings and implement corrective measures promptly.
In the cases of GHS Bura Namsang and GHS Kangching, it was acknowledged that no professional courses in guidance and counseling were undertaken by any teacher. It was resolved that vocational education would be introduced in schools in a phased manner in the future.
Concerning the Headteacher of GPS Bura Namsang (C), who has been absent from school since November 2022, the DEO/ADEO was instructed to take necessary action and submit the ATR to the Director, NSSAA, SAU within one month from the date of the Public Hearing.
In the case of the Head Mistress of GHS Kangching, who infrequently visits the school, the DEO/ADEO was directed to take necessary action and submit the ATR to the Director, NSSAA, SAU within one month from the date of the Public Hearing.
Regarding the employment of six proxy teachers in GPS Ngetchongching, the SMC/VC/ADEO were tasked with taking necessary action and submitting the ATR to the Director, NSSAA, SAU within one month from the date of the Public Hearing.
Issues related to poor school infrastructure, insufficient classrooms, lack of electricity, and inadequate or dilapidated toilet facilities, were discussed and resolved to initiate necessary infrastructural improvements using the next installment of NECTAR fund provided by the education department. The authorities were also urged to appeal to higher authorities to take action.
Concerns such as the absence of drinking facilities, inadequate school uniforms, the absence of suggestion/grievance boxes, school safety pledges, first aid kits, and emergency contact information were raised. School authorities reported that actions had been initiated in some schools, and those in charge were instructed to maintain these standards in the future.
Shortages of subject teachers in various schools, including Hindi, English, and Maths, were discussed, and it was decided to appeal to higher authorities for necessary action.
Community participation was emphasized as vital for school progress, development, and student enrollment.
Dr. Samuel Akho Konyak, EAC Hq, Longleng, acted as the Independent Observer. He urged school representatives who were absent during the Public Hearing to report to the Deputy Commissioner in person and encouraged SMC/SMDC/village functionaries to fulfill their roles effectively in monitoring rules and regulations.
Earlier, the event commenced with an introduction by Vepo Keyho, State Resource Person from NSSAA, SAU, Nagaland, who explained the concept of Social Audit and District Level Public Hearing. He emphasized the importance of social audit in ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of the scheme.
The program concluded with the adoption of Public Hearing resolutions and a Vote of Thanks by the Chairperson Moian Avennoho, Assistant District Coordinator of DMA, Longleng.
