Kohima, November 5: Advisor to School Education, Kekhrie Yhome, has assured that the shortage of teachers at Sungro Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Wokha, will be addressed, following a protest staged by students and concerned citizens on November 3, demanding adequate teaching and supporting staff.
Speaking to the media, Yhome said the school has 153 students from Classes 6 to 12 and acknowledged that the shortage of teachers, particularly in English and Political Science, was a concern. He, however, clarified that both teachers had proceeded on maternity leave, adding that the Directorate was not officially informed about their leave, although the District Education Officer had been notified.
Yhome said approximately 50 per cent of Alternative English and 70 per cent of the regular English syllabus had been covered. He assured that a stopgap arrangement would be made to address the remaining portions, while the English teacher was expected to rejoin duty the following week. Arrangements would also be made to address the Political Science teacher’s absence.
On the school’s demand for additional supporting staff, including a carpentry instructor and seven Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) personnel, Yhome said some of the demands were beyond the department’s capacity, adding that the school did not require such a large number of additional staff.Regarding the demand for a Lotha language teacher, the Advisor said the appointment of language teachers remained a challenge due to the absence of recognised academic qualifications in certain tribal languages.He explained that Angami and Sumi languages currently have recognised academic pathways up to higher levels, while efforts are underway to develop similar qualifications for other tribal languages in collaboration with universities and tribal literature boards.
Yhome said the department was exploring certificate and postgraduate diploma courses to develop qualified language teachers. He also revealed that a survey had found 427 primary teachers willing to convert their posts into language-teaching positions, although proficiency in reading and writing their respective mother tongues remained a challenge for some.
As an immediate arrangement for Sungro GHSS, Yhome said the Hindi teacher posted at the school, who can speak, read and write Lotha, could be engaged to teach the language.He maintained that the department was working towards addressing the concerns through temporary arrangements while exploring long-term solutions for strengthening language education in the state.
