In accordance with the National Policy of Education (1986) Government of India started Jowahar Navodaya Vidalayal (JNVs). Presently the JNVs are spread in 28 States and 7 Union Territories. These are co-educational residential school fully financed and administered by Government of India through an autonomous organisation, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samati. The objective of the scheme clearly mentioned the purpose of JNVs is to serve in each district as focal point for improvement of quality of school education in general through sharing of experience and facilities.
Kiphire was awarded JNV in 2006. School was house in a building of Industry and Commerce department as a temporary arrangement, till a permanent school is built. For the construction of the school, land has been provided by Tutheze Village which is 18 k.m from Kiphire Hq. However till date not even a single pillar is yet to come up even after the lapsed of 9 years. This lackadaisical approach has push down Kiphire District under Category B.
Lightening pace in how JNV Kiphire was ordered to be shifted to JNV Phek need thorough study as to what propelled JNV authority to shift JNV Kiphire in the middle of the academic year putting hundreds of Students Career in serious jeopardy. The manner in which it was done is appalling and beyond comprehension. As strange as it may sound, even the District Administration the sole custodian of the institution was keep in a loop by JNV authority about the development.
The role of JNV is to fine gifted and talented students from rural area and to impart them quality modern education in a friendly environment to integrate them in national mainstream. Who otherwise due to lack of economic constraints will be unable to afford modern education. Instead of putting all resources available to give students quality education JNV authority was more interested in shifting JNV Kiphire to Phek under the pretext of lack of Facilities, infrastructure and burning down of office is obnoxious. Which the very authority did not care to address for the past 9 years.
If JNV authority had genuine concern for the student’s welfare, as a result of abysmal facilities why even after lapsed of 9 years construction of school in yet to take off. To sound an alarm after sleeping over the matter after years of mis-management does not portray JNV in good light. Their top priority should have been to execute work of new school building than to shift JNV kiphire in a whole new environment affecting students psychology.
The argument off the Principal alleging District Administration not extending help does not hold water, evident from the fact District Administration was keep in dark, as a custodian of the institution had it been approached i'm sure alternative arrangements could have been made, insincerity and callousness of the Principal has seriously dented the faith of citizens in JNV.
The reason event has done irreparable damage the moral of Students and Teachers. It has created anxiety and insecurity among students. Giving paramount interest over the numbers of Students than quality education by JNV authority is ignominious and drifting away from the very objective it endeavors to achieve in imparting quality education. I do not know of quality education getting compromised due to less enrollment of Students. It should have been vice-versa.
Question that needs to be answered is why the incumbent Principal was allowed to overstayed for 4-5 months even after he was transferred out from JNV Kiphire without joining his place of posting. Thus allowing him heyday to run the institute as his personal enterprise/copyright without accountability. Was he allowed to stay just to complete the mission of transferring JNV Kiphire.
It is unbecoming on the part of Navodayas vidayala samiti Regional office shillong without spot and physically verification, how can it blatantly issue order directing shifting of jnv kiphire, simply on the request of the principal, who was already transferred. Interest of the student should have been sarcoscant than the importance given to the principal wish of taking away jnv kiphire on his transfer.
Burning down of JNV Office on 9th April 2016 should not have been the trigger and reason for shifting JNV Kiphire hastily rather JNV authority should have been conscientious of its duty and obligations towards students welfare. To endorse fire accident as a basis for shifting government institutions should be desist. Just as in any accident/mishap, burning down of JNV Office should be thoroughly investigated to ascertain the exact nature and cause of fire by the Concern Authority. Conclusion should not be drawn from one’s own imagination/hearsay/assumptions.
Excess to quality education is essential for development. Not only does education provide students the knowledge and skills to be an active citizens and fulfil themselves as individuals. The educated mass know have to contribute towards the society well-being. For over all development of any less privilege society education is the only answer; And Kiphire need this more than ever.
P Achumse Sangtam Kiphire
