\nBriefing chief minister on the steps taken by the State towards conforming with the National policy by making the primary school level from Class I to V and upper primary from Class VI to Class VIII, MHRD director, Neelam Rao described this move as a big step towards proper implementation of policies in this sector.
\nThe Director lauded the efforts of the state government in addressing the issues of Free Text Books, teacher training and most importantly in making efforts to maintain a favourable teacher-pupil ratio. She, however, appealed state government to look into the issue of school dropouts and teacher rationalisation.
\nReplying to the observations made by the visiting team, chief minister expressed the concerns of the Ministry towards the Education sector in Nagaland stating that there was a need to educate people and make them responsible citizens rather than making them a liability to the society.
\nThe chief minister remarked that there are still some schools in Nagaland that are in dilapidated state and funds meant for room extension are not viable for such constructions.
\nHe therefore asked the Ministry to accord some flexibility in the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) norms in accordance with the requirements of the state and instead provide funds for full construction.
\nOn the issue of school drop outs especially in the upper primary level, Rio viewed that factors such as distance and population of villages require for Hostels so as to maintain continuum by the students.
\nHe said recruitment, training and rationalisation of teachers has been an area of great concern. The chief minister laid the blame partly on the politicians and also to the stubborn nature of appointed teachers whom he said, do not wish to go to schools in backward and rural areas where the teacher is supposed to be posted.
\nOn teachers training, Rio said that the state government was contemplating to introduce Voluntary Retirement Schemes (VRS) for the unqualified and untrainable backlog of untrained teachers and sought the Ministry\u2019s help in this regard. He also urged the department to suggest their findings and recommendations especially in civil works and Voluntary Retirement Schemes with the Ministry.
\nState minister for higher education and urban development Dr.Shurhozelie, chief secretary Lalhuma, additional chief secreatry Banuo Z Jamir, commissioner & secretary higher education, P.F Solo and officials from the SMA, SSA were also present at the meeting.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"