Kevileno Angami, Commissioner and Secretary, School Education Department speaks during the inaugural programme of Government High School, Forest Colony Kohima on October 11. (Morung Photo)
GHS Forest Colony Kohima inaugurated
Morung Express news
Kohima | October 11
Despite having over a thousand government schools in Nagaland to provide quality education, only those owned by the community as well as those with teachers committed to their profession have progressed and performed well, opined Kevileno Angami, Commissioner and Secretary, School Education Department.
Speaking about the importance of communitisation during the official inaugural programme of Government High School (GHS), Forest Colony Kohima on October 11, she noted that grants are utilised well and bring development in those school backed by a committed community.
"Samagra Shiksha provides funds and allocations to the schools. But it is observed that even though same amount of grant is going to all the schools, whether big or small amount, schools not managed by the community or schools where the community is not progressive nor interested in the development of the school, it is not utilised properly but used for selfish acts," she added.
Citing the latest UDISE data, the Commissioner and Secretary further informed that there are 1,932 government schools under the state government, from which high-quality education is expected for the children of the state.
However, she regretted that the State has not been able to deliver high-quality education as expected due to various constraints, which has led to private schools taking over. Nonetheless, government schools owned by the community as well as those with sincere teachers who take ownership are just as good as private schools, she added.
Giving appraisals of community participation in public services, Angami said the government has recognised the importance and necessity of community participation in conscience with the Kothari Commission's recommendation and the Nagaland Government's Communitisation of Public Services Act, 2002 where elementary school education was to be supported, monitored and regulated by the community."
"The RTE Act 2009 which mandates community is required to play a proactive role in the preparation of the school plan and implementation of various activities," she added.
Meanwhile, she also lauded the Forest Colony community and all stakeholders involved including School Management Committee (SMC) members and school authorities for working in symphony with each other and contributing towards making the community better. The community has surpassed the expectation of the SMC through the generous contribution, she added.
Despite being a heterogeneous society, the unity and concern of the community is observed, Angami said. She further expressed hope that the school would be able to serve the needs of the people, especially the downtrodden, and motivate other schools.
Deputy Project Director, NECTAR and Joint Secretary, Department of School Education (DOSE) Avelu Ruho also noted that the GHS Forest Colony was established through the collective efforts of the community.
Although, the infrastructure of the school was initially very poor coupled with location in a landslip - and congested area, the school has thrived due to the relentless spirit of the community members, she added.
It was learnt that the school has had more than 260 student enrollment every year since it was founded in 2009. The academic session for high school, Class 9 began this year.
Albert Tungoe Head Teacher gave a report of the school while Peter K Rengma, Chairman, Forest School spoke about the upgradation and construction. The welcome address was delivered by YM Jami, Chairman, SMC and Swedesunuo Zao, Assistant Headmistress gave the vote of thanks.
