Emilo Khuvung
Kohima | October 20
The launch of the nationwide programme Rashtriya Madhyamic Shiksha Abiyan (RMSA) to universalize secondary level education is impacting series of higher secondary school up-grading in various parts of the state. RSMA is aimed at expanding and improving the standards of secondary education-classes VIII to X.
RSMA would also take secondary education to every corner of the country by ensuring secondary schools (up to class X) within a radius of 5km for every neighborhood. Since the launch of RMSA in Nagaland, the Nagaland government is exerting all effort up-grading schools in various quarters.
Although the fact remains that many government schools are suffering shortfall of teachers or excess of them, RMSA in broader sense is all set to open schools, one each within 5 kilometers and higher secondary within 7-10 kms. This was disclosed by RMSA State Mission Director Thejao Angami and Commissioner Secretary Mhathung Kithan IAS, during their visit to Meluri town for up-grading the Government Higher Secondary School at Meluri.
The director also mentioned that infrastructure will be well-taken care of and there are various schemes for dropouts funded by the World Bank under RMSA. “Population-wise it may not be prudent to open two primary schools and one middle school”, said Thejao.
“Very soon the shortage of teachers’ problem will be solved”, said Thejao. By 2011, 11 model schools in 11 educationally-backward blocks, hostels for both boys and girls with all facilities will also introduced; also by 2012 high schools would be upgraded to higher secondary institutions.
“Education cannot work out unless 90% dedication is rendered, we need good teachers, though education department is not fulfilling the way it has to be’, said Commissioner Kithan. There is also a proposal to upgrade 72 schools and the process would be in phases.
