A 3-point resolution adopted by Headmasters (HM) and Assistant Headmasters (AHM) of 41 GHSS has sparked controversy after Nagaland Government Higher Secondary School Employees Assocation (NGHSSEA) expressed concern over the confusion and misunderstanding it had created. The 3-point resolution stated “ all funds such as admission fees, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) etc, pertaining to secondary and elementary sections shall be handled by Headmaster (HM) and AHM” and that the resolution be strictly complied with.
NGHSSEA president Kelhikha Kenye, vice president Liyalo Apon, general secretary Chungngam Konyak, publicity secretary Visezu Thakro and finance secretary Dr.Bijano Murry pointed out that while the association did not intend to interfere in the administrative rules of the department of grievances of HMs under GHSS, it pointed out that , the principal being the administrative head of GHSS was responsible and accountable to the government for any act of commission or omission in pursuance of official powers and functions. Further, it also pointed out that as per ‘General Rules’ of NBSE, all correspondences with the Board was under the domain of the principal of any higher secondary school.
The signatories also alleged that some persons claiming to be convenor of ANSEAOA and ANSTA sent SMS (through mobile No.8014179214) to a principal cautioning not to involve secondary section and that in addition, “ a senior officer from the Directorate of School Education” had called up the same principal to caution him to “impose the resolution.”
They said the recent trend of issuing directives “ for strict compliance” amounted to “violation of government authority by some government employees”. They asked the DoSE to take note of such lapses within the department as it was tantamount to violation of Nagaland Government Servants Conduct Rules 1968. In addition, they said the DoSE cannot afford to “outsource its administrative powers and functions to a few employees” lest it leads to “chaos and confusion”.
NGHSSEA disclosed that the resolution had not only disturbed the admission process in elementary and secondary sections but also caused hardship and inconveniences to students and parents.
The signatories said that only the government is authorised to issue such directives but lamented that the issue raised by some government servants was only over “money” collected from poor students during school admission and other funds that came from the government. They said teachers and educators should focus only on students to bring out better academic results and uplift the standard of education in the state.
The signatories expressed appreciation of the DoSE for bringing its new initiatives such as the “new staffing pattern” which would solve the problem of shortage of teachers in government schools. Admitting that DoSE was the biggest department with the many problems, NGHSSEA felt that time initiative taken by DoSE to meet new challenges of the present time should be welcomed by all. However, it said “too many interferences by different organisations/association on policy matters” would be counter-productive and eventually cause the education system to suffer and students be at the receiving end.
Leave a Reply