Nagaland: Compulsory subjects draw concerns at HCHSS

Holy Cross Higher Secondary School (HCHSS), Dimapur has come under discussion after some parents and student bodies raised concerns over compulsory abacus and Advanced Computer classes, along with related fee components.
According to complaints submitted to the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), parents expressed difficulty over additional financial commitments and sought clarity on whether the subjects were optional. The DNSU, in letters dated February 9, 2026, appealed to the school to consider making abacus and Advanced Computer classes optional.
The union also suggested reviewing certain fee structures, suspending compulsory ticket sales, and holding a policy review meeting involving the school management, parents, teachers and DNSU representatives. It further proposed quarterly parent-teacher forums to strengthen communication.
Some parents also shared concerns regarding fines for exam failures, ticket sales for events, uniform policies and other fee components. They stated that clearer communication and uniform application of rules would help avoid misunderstandings.
On February 12, the principal, Fr. Renthungo N. Odyuo, addressed the media and clarified that the introduction of abacus and advanced computer was aimed at enhancing students’ skills in line with the National Education Policy and keeping affordability in mind.
He said circulars had been issued earlier, and parents not wishing to enroll their children could submit written applications for alternative arrangements.
He maintained that decisions were taken collectively by the management board and not unilaterally.
On uniforms and bags, he said the policy was intended to promote discipline. Regarding ticket sales, he described them as part of co-curricular activities to encourage entrepreneurial skills, adding that participation was not meant to be compulsory.
Clarifying remarks attributed to him, the principal said he had only suggested that parents uncomfortable with certain policies could explore other options, and denied any intent to humiliate anyone. He informed that abacus fees were Rs 1,300 annually, while advanced computer classes were fixed at Rs 200 per month.
He reiterated that the school remained open to dialogue and encouraged parents to share grievances formally. He also stated that the February 13 class-wise meetings were routine interactions and not specifically convened due to the present issue.
Meanwhile, parents said they had initially attempted to resolve the matter internally before approaching DNSU for a joint meeting with the school authorities. They also raised concerns regarding uniform enforcement of vehicle entry rules and clarity over subject requirements during admission.
DNSU general secretary Michael Kath informed that a joint meeting involving parents, the school board and authorities would be held on February 13 at 1 pm. He urged parents to attend and cooperate in resolving the matter amicably.