The recent ongoing tussle between Education Department and ANSTA, NSSFOF on Bifurcation of Secondary & Elementary from Higher Secondary has become the talk of the town. Both the parties have had several rounds of talks, sittings etc. Yet, it all ended in smoke. Nevertheless, the desire of the ANSTA, NSSFOF on bifurcation issue is still burning and it’s likely to go on.
‘’It takes a whole village to raise a child’’ says African proverbs. Thus, It is not only the responsibility of those working under Education Department. But it needs a constructive suggestion from all the right thinking citizens. Because the upbringing of a child is a communal effort. And this particular issue is likely to have a greater impact whether it is for good or bad.
I on my part, who is not aligned with any parties who are in good books of bifurcation or vice versa, would like to pour out, what my inner voice urges me to do so. Initially, I wasn’t very much aware or well verse about the bifurcation issue. But, just during these few days of paper war on how bifurcation is important. Now it seems so clear to me that the demand put forth by the ANSTA, NSSFOF is purely based on genuine reasons. Some amongst many reasonable features lay down by the Bifurcation Demanding Association are, say like: Separate Academic Session: Here, it is quite apparent, since they follow different academic session, there is every possibilities of overlapping while discharging each other’s duty and responsibility. Another major reason is stagnant promotion. There is no denying the fact that, not all the teachers can be AHM, HM, JEO’s, SDEO’s and the like in future. But the question is why not give a chance to the secondary and elementary teachers also, for what is due to them.
On the other hand, the government with thousand excuses says: it is against the interest of the students, wasteful expenditure etc.etc. All these days they haven’t elaborated anything on how it is not function able or feasible. But, the ANSTA & NSSFOF has minutely elaborated the feasibility and non feasibility on how to go about or in what way to function in so many ways and means. Now, it is like readymade formulated policies for the department, just to take and apply without wasting time and energy. When we just undersee government excuses, promises, commitments etc. to handle any related issues. It seems, as if the sun will rise in the west. Let me just cite a very plain example here. The RMSA Teachers 2015-16 are almost five months old without any remuneration. Time and again we have played the part of an alarmist reminding them either in person, group or through an open letter. But technically nothing appears to be working. Exhaust all options before launching stir, agitation etc. is what they say. But, despite all efforts to solve any matters, issues amicably in the forms of representations, memorandum, meetings, conventions etc. without going for agitation seems like watering off the duck’s back. And, as and when the time is ripe for agitation, they easily get infuriated. One finds it difficult to digest what is the real motive and policies are behind.
So far as this particular issue is concern. Any sensible person without any hesitation will say that the demand is purely based on genuine reasons and needs to be taken care off and to nip in the bud without further delay. It is said that “When Elephants fight; it is the grass that suffer”. Let the students suffer not, because of you and me. But let’s just understand each other’s grievances and expedite the problem for the greater interest of the pupils. So as to bring back to the normal state without jeopardizing the career of the students.
Renbemo Patton Saron colony, Wokha Convenor, RMSA Wokha Unit
