Akangjungla
Education is a basic human right that opens doors for every person; it is the core of fundamental right for every human being. Aiming to gather public opinion on this very important subject, this newspaper run a weeklong Suggestion Platform on what practical and concrete measures policy makers can take in order to improve the quality of education in Nagaland. Based on the positive submissions received, it only asserted that quality education is in the interest of all. While a good number of readers recommended ensuring adequate facilities such as minimum basic requirements - separate toilets for girls and boys and teachers, classroom, school hall, water, science laboratory, and sufficient staff in each school, balance of academics and co-curricular activities, some felt that life skills programmes should be included in the school curriculum.
It will not be wrong to believe that all the suggestions and recommendations pointed towards the State government and the policy makers. To bring massive transformation and to break the cycle of plague in the education sector, education must be made a “priority” in state policy. Considering practical challenges and targeting realistic goals, the advice to introduce only the necessary measures under different pilot project of the central government in the state education system would be a good judgment ‘as it gives extra tension and pressure to the work force of the department.’ The reason being it hampers the working structure and environment and makes it unable to focus in the main motive of providing quality education. Revival of the education system should be suitable to the area in which the institution is located or in other words, being contextual can result in effective implementation of any policy. Though it would require an overhaul of the current structure and redirecting the course in which the education system is headed to, policy makers could perhaps take these pointers into consideration, knowing people are communicating with the right intentions.
For a very long time, the people have lost trust in the policy makers to bring a revolution in the education sector. The hope will arise when the government shows ‘intent’ and ‘clear plan of action’ to improve the quality of education. It is sadly noted that there has been too much meddling of political interests in the education department with the appointment of employees through backdoor channel. “This is the reason why the public has lost trust in the education department” cited a reader with the suggestion that ‘the government must take measures to win public trust and confidence by ensuring that there is no more backdoor appointment and no more political transfers.’
A quote by Sam Houston, American lawyer and politician, reads, “The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government.” These essential aspects are missing in this generation and in the existing Naga society. Education is so important and we are in dire need of a better one. As a reader has rightly stated, ‘Nagaland government must be serious about education. If Nagaland is to grow and become self-reliant and prosperous, we need a dynamic education system with vision.’
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