The Khongka Students’ Union(KSU) has brought to light a serious administrative lapse by the Department of School Education, Nagaland, involving the erroneous posting of a retired teacher to Government Primary School (GPS) Khongka.

In a press release, the Union expressed concern that H Khumkiu (Employee Code: EDN/04631) was transferred to GPS Khongka from GMS Y Anner through Government Order No. EDN/PLN/RATIONALIZATION/2023 dated February 10, 2025—despite the fact that he had retired on August 31, 2024, as confirmed by Release Order No. ED/EST/B-46/2022 dated September 11, 2023.

“This means the department, through the rationalization order, effectively assigned a teaching position to an individual who had ceased to be in service months prior—an error that has remained uncorrected to this day,” the Union said.

The transfer was reportedly made in place of M Tojikhiung (Employee Code: EDN/04754), affecting the staffing structure of the school. Although the department issued Notification No. RTNL/2019 dated February 17, 2025, placing all rationalization orders on hold, “in the interest of public service,” the Union said that it has not been implemented in letter or spirit.

“Many transferred teachers continue to serve and draw salaries at their new postings, while this blatant posting error involving a retired teacher has been ignored,” it stated.

According to the Students’ Union, the matter was first raised with the Sub-Divisional Education Officer (SDEO), Pungro, on February 11 and forwarded via official letter dated February 12. A follow-up was sent on February 20, and a direct appeal was submitted to the Principal Director on June 20. Despite these efforts, the department has reportedly failed to take any corrective action or communicate with the Union, the press release issued by KSU president, Thrunso R and general secretary, Lakiumong A stated.

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Stating that the ongoing neglect is not only a matter of administrative failure, the Union described it as “a blow to public trust” in the education system. It also highlighted that GPS Khongka has been recognized for its excellent performance and ranks among the top in enrolment in the district due to strong community involvement and dedication.

“However, incidents like this demoralize our people, disrupt educational continuity, and show a serious lapse in governance,” it lamented.

The Union has called upon the Department of School Education to immediately rectify the posting error and ensure such mistakes do not recur. “A timely correction will go a long way in restoring community

confidence in the Department’s commitment to quality and accountability.,” the Union emphasized.