Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome reiterates closure of 107 government schools

In a major development, School Education and SCERT adviser Kekhrielhoulie Yhome on Thursday announced the closure of 107 government schools across the state as part of an effort to improve quality of education and efficiency.

Addressing a gathering at the upgradation of Government High School (GHS), Lengrijan to a Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Yhome disclosed that Nagaland currently had 1,939 government, 722 private, and a few central schools, highlighting the challenges in balancing quantity with quality.

Pointing out that the problem of aplenty had led to inefficiencies, he revealed that the state government had decided to close down 107 government schools through amalgamation, downgrading, and outright closure.

Justifying the closure of the schools, he said this was expected to generate a surplus of 600 to 800 teachers, who would be reassigned to schools facing shortage in teaching staff. He explained that the reallocation aimed to address shortage of teachers in technical subjects such as Math and Science, besides streamlining resources where they were most needed.

On developing infrastructure and increasing land holdings for most government middle schools (GMS) in the state, the adviser outlined the government’s vision for developing 16 model schools across the state under the NECTAR project in the form of “lighthouses”.

He claimed that the 16 model schools would cater to everybody, and stressed the need for parallel model schools. He proposed public-private partnerships in education, seeking Church and community support for teachers’ housing and infrastructure.

“No child, whether from urban or rural backgrounds, should be deprived of quality education. Every child has the right to get education. Hence, we need public and private partnership,” he elaborated.

He also underscored the importance of community support in shaping education, stating that the responsibility of education could not be solely left to the Education Department, pointing out that support from the community too was essential.

Yhome emphasised prioritising students passing out from GHS for enrollment in government higher secondary institutions. He said MoUs would be signed between government schools in this regard.

Noting that there was a rush for government schools in Classes 11 and 12, he wondered why this was not happening at the primary, middle school or high level.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to enhancing school administration through leadership training at the State Leadership Academy, whereby principals and headmasters would now undergo mandatory administrative training to improve school management and foster leadership skills.

He also highlighted a plan to introduce multi-age classes in rural schools with fewer students, allowing efficient use of teaching resources.
He disclosed that the state government had “provisionally” recognised 69 schools, adding that if they did not fit into the government frame of rules, they would be closed down and asked to shift.

Yhome announced that the state government would be recruiting teachers under the Nagaland Education Service (NES), and those who qualify would compete against each other.

He said the state government would improve the schools so that teachers could teach as per their potential, maintaining that government teachers were more qualified than private school teachers.

He mentioned that the state government allocated maximum fund in the budget to education, with Rs 830 crore being allocated for the sector. Speaking as the guest of honour, Labor & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Excise adviser Moatoshi Longkumer underscored the symbolic importance of GHS Lengrijan upgradation, describing it as a commitment to nurturing students’ dreams and talents.

He urged teachers to invest their “heart and soul” in their profession, pointing out that they held the power to guide students towards a successful future. Advising the students to focus on their studies, he cautioned that without dedication, their prospects in competitive market would remain limited.

Referring to the growing number of educated unemployed youth in the state, he encouraged the students to avoid distractions, particularly on social media, and focus on achieving excellence.

He appealed parents to actively support the school and ensure the safety of the school compound, since their children were moulded there. Longkumer urged Yhome to consider designating the newly-upgraded GHSS Lengrijan as an “iconic school of excellence”, hoping that it would bring out the best among students.

The programme was chaired by GHSS Lengrijan graduate teacher Anungla Pongener, invocation offered by Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA) associate pastor Imnatoshi Longkumer, and welcome address by Lengrijan Village Council chairman T Anung Pongen.

A special number was presented by the Music Club of GHSS Lengrijan, vote of thanks by GHSS Lengrijan principal Viliholi Achumi, and benediction offered by GHSS Lengrijan post-graduate teacher Esther Humtsoe.