Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Wokha, inaugurated its newly constructed school building under Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland, on February 3, marking a major step towards strengthening educational infrastructure in the district.
Advisor for School Education, Government of Nagaland, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, formally inaugurated the building as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Yhome stated that the new school building should be seen as more than an infrastructural addition, describing it as a foundation for rebuilding the institution’s legacy. He stressed the need to safeguard school land and property, calling for public cooperation and support from the civil administration to prevent encroachment and misuse of school premises.
Highlighting the role of government schools, the advisor said education must be treated as a collective responsibility and urged a shift in mindset towards government-run institutions. He informed that initiatives are underway to upgrade GHSS Wokha into a composite school, which is expected to improve enrolment and academic performance in the years ahead.
Dr. Yhome further highlighted the government’s move to standardise schools across Nagaland in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on improved infrastructure, quality education and equal opportunities. He also encouraged the school authorities to document the institution’s history and maintain records of alumni who have contributed to society.
Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, Vineet Kumar, IAS, in his address, expressed satisfaction at the completion of the new building within a short timeframe. Recalling the earlier condition of the school infrastructure, he said the new facility would provide a better learning environment for students. While appreciating the development, he stressed that academic performance and discipline should progress alongside infrastructure and suggested strengthening alumni support for the school.
The programme was attended by district officials, representatives of the education department, school staff, students and community members, who welcomed the development as a step towards transforming GHSS Wokha into a centre of educational excellence.
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Later, responding to media queries on his remarks regarding land encroachment at GHSS Wokha, Dr. Yhome stated that the school land was acquired many years ago with the support of villagers and families, whose grandparents had contributed valuable land for the cause of education.
He expressed concern that, in the name of land ownership, present generations are attempting to encroach upon land that was contributed by their forefathers. He clarified that the land for GHSS Wokha was outrightly purchased, unlike many cases where land was donated free of cost, and said that all necessary records are available.
Maintaining that a school cannot function with private residential buildings within its compound, Dr. Yhome said the matter would be taken up with the government. He added that continued encroachment would leave no option but to engage the public, seek support from the civil administration and, if required, deploy machinery and police force for eviction.
Referring to similar cases, he mentioned encroachment issues at Government Higher Secondary School, Nagarjan, involving retired teachers, and cited an example from Tuensang where 26 structures were removed to reclaim school land.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Dr. N. Janbemo Humtsoe, PGT, while the building was dedicated by Zurenthung Humtsoe, Assistant Pastor, Wokha Town Baptist Church (WTBC).
