DIMAPUR, JUNE 23 (MExN): The Rising People’s Party (RPP) today said that the “number one problem with the Department of School Education is not lack of money but poor management, poor leadership and fraudulent withdrawal of funds.”
A press release from the RPP further termed a recent statement by the DoSE Advisor that revenue extracted from alcohol sale should be used to overhaul the health and educational sector as “not only cringe-worthy but also a feeble attempt to cover up the misdeeds of the department.”
It said that the DoSE has no dearth of funds. The “reality,” it claimed is that the DoSE is “probably one of the state’s dirtiest departments after taking into account the prevalent proxy teaching system, ghost teacher appointment, teachers’ attachment to SDEOs/DEOs, PD system, GT promotion controversy, non-payment of salaries, etc.”
It further said that for the NECTAR project, the World Bank and the Government of India gave the department Rs 629 Crores to “improve and enhance government schools” which is in implementation since April 2021.
“Under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), the GoI has poured in enough funds to upgrade the infrastructure of government schools,” it added. The party also provided data to support this statement. (See table)
It meanwhile mentioned that the names of the “so-called upgraded GHSs” are Mezoma, New Market, New Tseminyu, Diki, Khonoma, Jakhama, Kamaleah, Akhegwo, Phokhungri, Kutsapo, Mesulumi, Pholary, Phek Town, Lozaphuhu, Khuza, KhulazuBasa, Tzudikong, Mongsenyimti, Yaongyimsen Compound, Phasang, Dibuia, Khar, Sumi, Phelongre, Chomi, Solumi, Seyochung, Mimi, Sitimi Town, Longya, Naga United Village, Moava, Sovima, Sarbura, Thahekhu, Burma Camp, Khaghaboto, Piphema, Singrijan, Kuhuboto, Purana Bazar, Medziphema, Nihoto, Khushiabill, Nito.”
The RPP said that under RMSA, the average funding is Rs 58, 12,000 for each school. However, it stated that “according to documents/pictures in possession of the RPP, most of the constructed schools are pathetic.”
“Case in point, in GHS Solumi, Kiphire – a declared aspirational district – the school was constructed with wooden materials at the cost of Rs. 58, 12,000 which is simply criminal,” the RPP noted.
It meanwhile asked the DoSE Advisor to explain to the public as to why there is a “syndicate working overtime in his department.” “Under the same RMSA scheme, M/S Khedi Trade & Development Agency, Kohima, was awarded the contract to ‘upgrade’ 45 schools in 5 districts. He should explain whether any tender was floated. He should also furnish a clear picture to the public as to how much funds have been released under RMSA till date.” the RPP said.
Under the circumstances, the RPP said that the DoSE Advisor claiming shortage of funds for the poor performance of schools in the state is “disingenuous and ludicrous.”
