Kohima, July 1 (MExN): The Chakhroma Students’ Union (CSU) has raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of government schools under its jurisdiction, citing an acute shortage of subject and language teachers, inadequate classrooms, crumbling infrastructure and irregularities in the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme.
In a report submitted to the Department of School Education (DoSE), following an extensive educational tour of 52 government schools within its jurisdiction during June, the CSU has urged immediate and necessary intervention, cautioning that any lapses or misuse of funds will be viewed seriously and appropriate action will be pursued in the interest of the student community.
The tour, which involved interactions with school authorities, students and stakeholders to understand ground realities and assess overall functioning, revealed that due to a shortage of language teachers, subjects such as Hindi and Tenyidie have been discontinued in certain classes. The shortage of faculty, combined with inadequate classrooms and deteriorating infrastructure, has severely impacted the academic environment, CSU President Menokhrielie Chalieue and Education Secretary Vibozo Tetso noted in a press release.
Serious concerns were raised regarding the Mid-Day Meal scheme, with the union alleging deductions from allocated funds and the supply of substandard rice in some schools. The CSU has also called for an enhancement in the honorarium of MDM cooks, acknowledging their dedicated service amidst rising living costs.
Several schools, the union reported, lack access to safe drinking water, while sanitation facilities remain in a dilapidated and unhygienic condition, posing serious health risks to students. The absence of boundary walls in multiple schools has further raised safety and security concerns.
“SMILE Application remains non-functional in several schools due to poor network connectivity and technical issues, thereby affecting the efficiency of timely submission of attendance,” it noted.
Additionally, schools are grappling with insufficient Grant-in-Aid funds, outdated computer and printing systems, and a non-availability of prescribed textbooks, particularly for Class VIII students.
Despite prior submission of student measurements, the union reported shortages and improper sizing of school uniforms. The CSU also expressed regret over the lack of consistent follow-up from the concerned department regarding infrastructural development and the implementation of approved projects.
While appealing to the DoSE to take immediate steps to address these pressing issues, CSU also reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the welfare of students and to continue monitoring developments while extending its cooperation towards constructive solutions.
