Vitho Zao
Kacharigaon, Dimapur
The Department of School Education (DoSE) is perhaps one of the biggest departments in our state with thousands of employees. I bet it has the highest number of unions and associations under a single department. With such multiple associations we frequently see and read of agitation, strikes, protests and even ultimatums to the department which itself speaks and indicate all is not well. The public are witness to how the government tackle such agitation and the infamous use of water canon on teachers demanding their salary have not faded from public memory. Unions, associations are formed for the welfare of its members to fight for rights, justice collectively. And as long as rights are constitutional pursuing a demand is legal.
On 7th May 2017 the government has issued a show cause notice to an association (NGHSSEA) which is surprising. I have no inclination to this association nor know any of their leaders spearheading their cause however the instant show cause notice served to them needs deliberation. As per media report the demands placed by this association to the government are some issues the government ought to look into. I feel the government can take a saner and wiser action or decision for a solution instead of a show cause notice instantly. As per media feeding this particular association is the only registered association under DoSE! Was the department uneasy because the only registered association under DoSE sought redressal democratically? As far as my memory goes there were much more serious agitation that took place and public are aware of it, water canon issue needs no repetition! Or is it unregistered associations more superior and more effective when it comes to highlighting grievances to the government? If so, this particular association should be least bothered about de-recognition and pursue like other unregistered associations!
With regard to the demands of this association, I think bifurcation of secondary and higher secondary is a serious matter. In practical these issues should not be taken up by employees of the department in the first place, the government should have studied the pros and cons before higher secondary education were introduced?
Secondly the issue of not submitting incumbency list to AG to avail pay slip, seniority lists etc is lapses of the department which they should not shy away? Thirdly the demand for review of DDO powers withdrawn from some schools is the contagious issue which is also the lapse of our government. I personally feel that the long and boring conflict between the secondary and higher secondary issue was not created by teachers or employees of the department but the fault of the department and our government for haphazardly introducing a good education system without proper ground work.
The government has all the means and power to clamp on its employees but that also does not mean that solution to a problem should not be sought. And as far as this department is concerned unless this entire quagmire, petty politicking is done away and prudence applied the future of our students are indeed very bleak.
In conclusion, I would like to pose a question to employees of DoSE. How many of you have your children studying in government schools?
