Members of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) and departmental officials attend the meeting chaired by MP S. Supongmeren Jamir at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Zunheboto on November 10.
MP flags gaps in government school performance
Zunheboto, November 10 (MExN): The District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting for Zunheboto district was held on November 10 at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Zunheboto, with Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) S. Supongmeren Jamir, to review the progress of developmental activities and assess the implementation of various centrally sponsored schemes and government programmes in the district.
The meeting focused on key issues concerning education, public welfare, road safety, departmental coordination and the effective delivery of government schemes. The MP urged departments to address existing gaps and ensure that developmental initiatives translate into tangible benefits for the public.
The meeting commenced with a welcome address by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Zunheboto, Shaying Sheu, who acknowledged the MP’s proactive involvement and encouragement in strengthening departmental coordination and motivating Heads of Offices to remain committed to their respective responsibilities.
This was followed by a review of the proceedings and action taken on the minutes of the previous DISHA meeting. During the discussion, the issue of the proposed Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown in Zunheboto, estimated to cost Rs. 20 crore, was taken up. The meeting noted the need to pursue the matter further and decided that DISHA would once again write to S. Phangnon Konyak, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Nagaland, seeking her intervention and support for taking the project forward.
Addressing the meeting, MP S. Supongmeren Jamir urged all departments to prioritize the developmental needs of the district and ensure effective implementation of government programmes. He particularly emphasised the need to improve the standard of education in government schools, following a PowerPoint presentation by Uketo Yeptho, Asstistany District Coordinator DMA Zunheboto of the District Education Office on the activities, functioning and overall status of schools across Zunheboto district.
During the discussion, the MP expressed concern over the comparatively better academic performance of private schools than government schools and sought clarification from the Education Department on the reasons behind the disparity. The department acknowledged the existing gap, citing shortages of subject teachers and other challenges affecting the effective functioning of government schools.
Stressing that foundational education must not be overlooked, Jamir called upon the department to give equal importance to primary and elementary education. He observed that private schools, despite having comparatively fewer facilities, limited staff and lower salaries, were producing better academic results, while government schools, which generally have better infrastructure and higher salary structures, continued to face challenges in academic performance.
Questioning the reasons behind the disparity, he pointed out that the issue was not confined to Zunheboto district but was prevalent across Nagaland. He stressed the need for introspection within the Education Department and called for collective efforts to improve the quality of teaching and learning in government institutions.
The meeting also deliberated on the timely distribution of free textbooks and school uniforms to students. Officials highlighted that delays in the supply of textbooks were creating difficulties for students and stressed the importance of ensuring that learning materials reached schools before the commencement of the academic session.
Concerns were also raised over the distribution of ready-made school uniforms, which often failed to fit students properly. The issue of teacher rationalisation was discussed, with suggestions that the concerned Block Education Officers (BEOs) be consulted to ensure a more balanced and effective deployment of teachers based on the actual requirements of individual schools.
ADC Shaying Sheu further highlighted the challenges faced by the Education Department, particularly delays in the supply of textbooks and uniforms. He also enquired about the functioning of the SMILE App and pointed out that the engagement of substitute teachers was among the factors requiring attention while addressing concerns over academic performance and the overall functioning of government schools.
In another important discussion, Hukayi Awomi, Assistant R.T.O District Transport Office Department highlighted road safety awareness and the provisions under the PM-RAHAT scheme, which provides eligible road accident victims with free cashless treatment of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
The department informed the meeting that three hospitals in Zunheboto district had been empanelled under the scheme, including District Hospital Zunheboto, Atoizu and Aghunato, while Pughoboto was at the initial stage of setting up the required arrangements. It was also informed that no applications had been received from the district so far.
Taking note of the lack of applications, the MP urged the concerned authorities to intensify public awareness and encourage people to avail themselves of the scheme, particularly in cases involving road accidents. He emphasised that the benefits of government initiatives should reach the intended beneficiaries and that a lack of awareness should not prevent eligible accident victims from receiving necessary medical assistance.
Jamir stated that the scheme, introduced in March 2026, was intended to provide immediate medical assistance to road accident victims and stressed the importance of utilising all available facilities. He urged the Transport Department and the committee to undertake mass publicity and awareness campaigns across the district so that the public, particularly those in rural areas, were informed about the scheme and its benefits.
