The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has released the findings of its ‘extensive tour’ to probe into the grievances of teachers and students under the Eastern Nagaland jurisdiction. The Federation informed in a press release that the initiative which was conducted from 29th July to 7th August 2024 was “driven by rising concerns about the state of education in the region and aimed to shed light on the pressing challenges affecting both teachers and students”.
The ENSF said that the findings from the tour have brought to the forefront several critical issues that demand immediate attention and action and hoped that the concerned authority would promptly act.
Following is the findings of the ENSF extensive tour:
“Inadequate Teaching Staff: One of the most alarming findings from the tour was the significant shortage of teaching staff in many schools across Eastern Nagaland. The shortage of teachers is a severe issue that impacts the quality of education and the learning experience of students. Many schools are struggling with an insufficient number of teachers; the shortage of teachers not only affects the quality of education but also increases the workload and stress levels of the current staff. This situation creates an environment where both teachers and students face undue pressure, making it difficult to achieve quality education. The federation appeals the concern department and the state government to take immediate action to address the teacher shortages by initiating and expediting the recruitment process to fill these critical vacancies. By assigning qualified teachers to the schools facing shortages, the government can significantly improve the learning environment and educational outcomes for students. This will help alleviate the burden on current teachers and improve the overall quality of education.
Delayed Salary Payments: Another significant issue revealed during the tour is the delay in salary payments of teachers. Many teachers do not receive their salaries on time, causing considerable financial hardship. This delay in payments affects teachers miserably in meeting their personal and family needs and undermines their motivation and morale. When teachers are forced to contend with financial insecurity, their ability to focus on teaching and engage with students is compromised. Timely salary payments are a fundamental right and essential for the well-being of teachers. The ENSF strongly urges the concern department and state government to prioritize the timely disbursement of teachers’ salaries. Regular and prompt payment is essential for maintaining teacher morale and ensuring their financial stability.
Poor Infrastructure: The tour also highlighted severe issues with school infrastructure. Most of the schools in Eastern Nagaland are operating in conditions that are far from normality. The lack of proper facilities, such as adequate classrooms, sanitation, and learning resources, creates an environment that is not conducive to effective teaching and learning. Poor infrastructure not only affects the comfort and health of students and teachers but also hampers the overall quality of education. The ENSF observed that many schools are in desperate need of infrastructural repairs and up-gradation. Addressing these infrastructural issues is vital for creating an environment where both students and teachers can thrive.
Untimely Release of Student Uniforms and Textbooks: The delay in providing student uniforms and textbooks was another major concern identified during the tour. The timely distribution of these essential resources is crucial for the academic success of students. However, many students have faced difficulties due to the untimely release of uniforms and textbooks. Without these basic necessities, students are often left unprepared for their studies, which negatively impacts their academic performance and overall school experience. The ENSF urges the concern authorities to streamline the processes for distributing uniforms and textbooks in time and to ensure that students receive these resources promptly. Timely provision of these essentials is crucial for supporting students’ education and reducing unnecessary stress on both students and teachers.
Optimize Teacher Training Programs: Federation also observed that the district-level and state-level teacher training programs are indirectly affecting students by disrupting regular classes. Frequent and extended training sessions often resulted in reduction of allotted time slot of teaching, which negatively impacts students’ learning experiences. There is a need to balance professional development with classroom instruction by reducing the frequency and duration of training sessions. More emphasis should be placed on maximizing time for class room teaching to ensure that the students receive continuous and uninterrupted learning.”
Further, the ENSF reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and needs of students and educators in Eastern Nagaland. Stating that the Federation will continue to monitor the issues closely and work with relevant stakeholders to seek solutions, it also urged all teachers in the region “to diligently perform their duties and responsibilities so that the future of students are not kept in dark.” Despite the current challenges, your dedication is crucial for the academic success of our students, the ENSF added.
