Moa Jamir
Tackling Key Challenges in Nagaland's Education
Employment in the government sector is a paradox in Nagaland. Most aspire to secure positions in the government sector, but once individuals achieve this objective, they often detach themselves from serving the public and delegate their responsibilities to others. Accordingly, the prevalence of proxy teachers, coupled with absenteeism, has given rise to a cottage "outsourcing industry" in the State.
The issue is prevalent across various government departments, and most notably verifiable in the realm of education, specifically at the primary and upper primary levels. This challenge becomes more apparent as teachers are required to serve in far-flung towns or villages, exacerbating the complexities associated with the issue. The problem has had garnered attention at various levels, and most recently the Chakhesang Public passed resolution endorsing the Department of School Education's (DoSE) efforts to combat proxy teachers.
It is crucial to note that the concerned department has acknowledged the prevailing issue and has recently undertaken concerted efforts to address it. As of March 2023, reports indicate that out of 50 teachers identified as keeping proxies, two were terminated from services, three resigned and 45 were under investigation. The introduction of the Teachers Attendance Monitoring System (TAMS) as a pilot initiative stands as a significant technological intervention aimed at curbing the prevalence of proxy teachers. In November 2023, Nagaland's Advisor to School Education & SCERT, Dr Kekhrie Yhome claimed that "proxy teachers are now a thing of the past."
Although commendable, the crucial question that persists is: why do teachers or concerned employees opt for proxy arrangements? Examining this inquiry is vital for a comprehensive understanding and the successful resolution of the problem. A more holistic approach is necessary to tackle the underlying causes of the issue, including input from all stakeholders, including teachers themselves.
These must include an emphatic scrutiny of living conditions, career prospects, and other incentives.
Typically, elementary schools are located in remote villages posing a huge logistical challenge to the teachers and making arrangements for decent living conditions imperative. Housing initiatives can not only improve the quality of life but also enhance safety and security for teachers serving in far-flung areas.
Furthermore, a significant factor leading to the utilisation of proxies by teachers is the tendency to serve in the same schools throughout their careers, often with minimal opportunities for career advancement beyond salary increments. The scarcity of prospects for climbing the career ladder adds to the prevalence of proxy practices.
To address this issue, it is vital for the government to institute policies that provide teachers, especially those stationed in remote areas, with opportunities to enhance their professional growth. Implementing various incentives, including financial rewards, becomes crucial in motivating teachers to remain dedicated and actively contribute to the improvement of education in far-flung regions.
A particularly contentious and highly competitive aspect within the education sector, spanning both lower and higher education levels, is the matter of transfers. Frequently, personal connections, often of a political nature, serve as a determining factor in one's placement, whether in the periphery or the core. Despite the DoSE launching the Teachers’ Online Transfer Portal in 2020, accessible to teachers through their registered mobile phone numbers, the need for a well-defined transfer policy, inclusive of rotational posting, remains apparent.
To effectively combat proxy practices, a two-pronged approach is necessary – controlling such practices through measures like TAMS and providing incentives in the form of logistical, financial, and career advancements to the teachers. Only through a comprehensive strategy can Nagaland's government education sector create an environment where the need for proxy teachers becomes obsolete, fostering genuine dedication to public service and quality education.
For any comment, drop a line to jamir.moa@gmail.com
