All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) and Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) have, in a joint statement, strongly condemned the recent statement made by advisor School Education and SCERT, Dr Kehkrielhoulie Yhome regarding non-recruitment of primary teachers from the Ao and Sumi tribes for the next 10 years.
In a joint statement, AKM president Lanutoshi Aier and SKK president Gihuka K Zhimo have urged Yhome to “reconsider” his statement and ensure that the recruitment processes were fair, transparent, and based solely on merit. AKM and SKK said that they were deeply concerned over the implications of Yhome’s statement at a function, purportedly saying– “It also implies that for the next ten years, we will not be recruiting Sumi and Ao primary teachers.” AKM and SKK said that his statement indicated that there would be no recruitment of primary school teachers from Ao and Sumi tribes for the next 10 years.
Acknowledging the adviser’s initiative to improve the education system and bring positive changes to the education sector, the organizations said the statement to exclude Ao and Sumi tribes from primary school teachers’ recruitment for the next 10 years contradicted the spirit of inclusivity and equal opportunity that he aimed to promote. They stated that such a statement was not only discriminatory, but also undermined the principles of meritocracy.
They said that this announcement had sparked widespread outrage and distress in the two communities. The two organizations pointed out that such exclusionary measures not only undermined the principles of fairness and equality, but also perpetuated systemic discrimination against the two tribes in matters concerning education and employment.
They emphasised that teachers should be appointed based on their qualifications, skills, and merit, rather than their tribal affiliations, pointing out that the Ao and Sumi communities extended far beyond the districts of Mokokchung and Zunheboto alone.
“By limiting teacher recruitment in this manner, the adviser disregards the talents and capabilities of our educated youth across the state,” they stated. The signatories also expressed concern over the future prospects of trained and educated students from both communities over the next 10 years.
They pointed out that denying them opportunities for employment in the teaching profession deprived them of their rightful livelihoods and contributed to widening the gap of inequality. Moreover, as teachers from the Ao and Sumi tribes retired, they said there arose a pressing need for their positions to be filled up by qualified individuals from the two communities.
They mentioned that Yhome’s statement failed to address this crucial aspect, raising questions about the government’s long-term planning for the education sector. The signatories declared that AKM and SKK remained committed to advocating for the rights and interests of the two communities in matters concerning education and beyond.