Neiphiu Rio bats for collaborative effort to transform education sector

State chief minister Neiphiu Rio stressed the need for a collaborative effort from the government, teachers, parents and stakeholders to bring change in State’s education sector.
He said this while speaking at the programme on inaugural of Government Middle School (GMS) Meriema to High School Wednesday where he pointed out that when the school came into being in 1927 as a mission school, it was selected as a primary school when Charles Pawsey was the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima.
He said though Meriema was in essence a village, yet it was functioning more like a suburban hub because of its close proximity with the state capital.
Rio commended the proactive stance of village leaders in recognizing the importance of education and spearheading initiatives to establish schools, ultimately benefiting both local communities and their surroundings.
The chief minister expressed satisfaction with the enrolment figures, which surpassed 290 students in the current academic year, signifying a growing interest in education among the populace.
Acknowledging existing challenges in upgrading educational facilities and addressing staffing shortages, Rio stressed the necessity of a multifaceted approach involving all stakeholders. He highlighted the need for collaborative problem-solving, with government bodies, educators, officials, and community leaders working together to identify and rectify issues.
On the disparity between government and private schools, he noted that despite having highly qualified teachers and superior salaries, government schools often lagged behind in academic performance.
Citing examples from other regions such as Delhi, where government schools had achieved excellence in both infrastructure and outcomes, the chief minister called for Nagaland to emulate such success.
Outlining plans for the construction of educational facilities across all district headquarters, he emphasized the government’s commitment to improving access to quality education for all.
He extended best wishes to the school and expressed hope that the village would nurture and help it grow to become even a higher secondary school in the days to come.
Commends Dr Yhome: Rio’s commendation of the efforts of his advisor School Education Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome came after the latter’s recent remarks that snowballed into controversy that led Ao and Sumi organisations demand clarification from the government on whether it supported the Adviser’s remarks.
In his speech here on Wednesday, Rio said advisor SED and SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome was doing a yeoman’s job especially to bring necessary changes in the department.
He said some may be displeased with the new working system, but it was for the overall good of the people since there were some schools without teachers, some schools have zero enrolment while some have more teachers than students.
Pointing out that some organisations were agitating because of lack of teachers, the chief minister said the issue cannot be resolved by the government alone but need the support of the stakeholders including village leaders, student leaders and parents. Rio emphasized on the importance of meritocracy and fair practices in recruitment and that the time of political appointment was over now.
Meanwhile, in a short speech, advisor Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, said the newly upgraded school has a rich heritage since it was nearing almost a hundred years now.
He said the first Naga graduated in the year 1924, while the first matriculation was in 1918, therefore the school was founded at a time when education was only starting to pick up.
Yhome said there were 247 high schools in the state with 47 in Kohima and that the newly upgraded school was one among it.
Yhome said majority of Nagas were economically weak, but were compelled to send their children to private schools even if they run into debts shuffling to pay their children’s school fees.
On an average, he said parents spend around Rs 20,000 in a month for their children and cumulatively, the state spends close to Rs 7 crore in a year on education alone.
Yhome, therefore, emphasized the need to bring up the standard of the government schools since for a long time these schools had failed to perform up to the mark.
He also wished the best for school and urged the students and teachers to continue to give their best in the pursuit of excellence.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Meriema Village Council chairman, Keduolhloulie Huozha while Rev. Keduolhoulie Shuya offered invocation.
School report was presented by GHS Meriema asst headmaster, Neiketou Kiewhuo, vote of thanks was proposed by Lhoulasietuo Keditsu while Christian Revival Church, Meriema pastor, Neilakuolie Huozha pronounced the benediction.
A martial arts show was presented by the students of the school while Meriema Village Students Union, Cultural Group Meriema and Crossroad Choir, Meriema presented special numbers during the event.