The Zeliang Students’ Union (ZLSU), the apex students’ body of Peren district, has closed down educational offices across the district in response to the Department of School Education’s recent teacher rationalization process. The issue arose from the transfer of mathematics and science teachers from well-performing government schools in Peren without replacements, a move the union has termed “academic cruelty” and a violation of students’ right to education.
The crisis began when the Department of School Education initiated a rationalization process in August 2024, resulting in the transfer of crucial math and science teachers from five government schools in the district. These schools include Government Middle Schools (GMS) in Punglwa, Nkialwa, and Mpai, and Government High Schools (GHS) in Mbaulwa and Tening, all of which have significant student enrolments and strong academic records. The students from these institutions have been left in a state of uncertainty with no replacements for the transferred teachers.
The ZLSU first issued an ultimatum to the Principal Director of School Education on September 9, 2024, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the transfer orders and the retention or replacement of the affected teachers. However, despite an extension of the ultimatum following a consultative meeting with the Deputy Commissioner on September 23, 2024, the government has yet to take action on the matter. With the extended deadline of October 8, 2024, now passed, the ZLSU has expressed deep frustration over the continued inaction.
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In its statement, the ZLSU criticized the department’s decision as “ill-conceived and discriminatory,” pointing out the detrimental impact it has on the students’ academic futures. The union further highlighted the affected schools’ high enrolment numbers and top-performing status, emphasizing the urgent need to prioritize the students’ education.
“We cannot stand by while our students’ futures are jeopardized. Transferring teachers without replacements is a violation of their fundamental right to education,” the ZLSU said in a strongly worded open ultimatum.
The union has now closed down all educational offices, including the District Education Office (DEO) and Sub-Divisional Education Offices (SDEO), indefinitely until their demands are met.
The union’s demands ’nclude the immediate withdrawal of the transfer orders, the replacement or retention of the teachers in the affected schools, and a review of the rationalization process to ensure that students’ academic needs are prioritized.
