Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOV 10 (NPN): Principal Director of School Education, Shashank Pratap Singh, on Tuesday stressed the need for greater accountability among teachers and school administrators, efficient utilisation of resources and consolidation of schools to improve the quality of government education in the state.
He was addressing the Golden Jubilee celebration of Government Middle School (GMS), Midland, Dimapur, held under the theme, “Celebrating Years of Learning, Service and Progress.”
Congratulating the school on completing 50 years, Singh said the milestone was not merely a measure of time but a reflection of the dedication, hard work and commitment of all those associated with the institution over the years.
He acknowledged the contributions of community leaders, church organisations, teaching and non-teaching staff, government officials, parents and guardians for their continued support and trust in the school.
Emphasising accountability, Singh said school heads and education officials must closely monitor teacher deployment and ensure effective utilisation of available manpower. He reminded educators that under the Nagaland Government School Education Service Rules, 2017, every teacher was required to take a minimum of four classes daily.
Expressing concern over instances of teachers handling fewer classes than prescribed, he urged principals, vice-principals, head teachers and education officers to take greater responsibility in managing schools and ensuring teachers discharge their duties sincerely.
Drawing from his experience as a former assistant professor at Delhi University, Singh encouraged teachers to go beyond the classroom and devote additional time to students, especially those requiring individual attention. He stressed that teaching involved not only classroom instruction but also mentoring and supporting students.
Referring specifically to GMS Midland, Singh commended the dedication of its teachers and overall functioning but expressed concern over the school’s inadequate infrastructure despite its five decades of existence.
He informed that the school currently shared its premises with the Health and Family Welfare Department and that the government had agreed in principle to relocate the institution to a nearby site to facilitate expansion of both departments.
According to Singh, proposals had already been received from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Dimapur, and discussions were underway to finalise the arrangement. He expressed hope that the school would eventually have a new campus with sufficient space for future expansion.
He concluded by congratulating all stakeholders associated with the school and urged community leaders to continue supporting its growth and development.
Land identified for school relocation; SMILE app attendance to be enforced
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the programme, Singh disclosed that land had been identified for the relocation of a government school in Dimapur and that the proposal would soon be placed before the State Level Authority (SLA) for outright purchase.
He said the proposed site was located nearby and that the department had received a proposal from the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur. Although the government had agreed in principle to shift the school, he said no specific timeline could be provided at present.
Explaining the need for relocation, he noted that the existing school building had limited space and lacked scope for expansion or playground facilities despite accommodating around 200 students.
He added that the institution, originally a private school, was taken over by the government in 1976 and presently occupied a plot measuring approximately 95 by 36 feet.
Singh said the relocation would enable the creation of better infrastructure and provide scope for upgrading the institution into a Government High School (GHS).
On the implementation of the SMILE App, Singh informed that the application had already been installed in all government schools and offices, with tablets provided to facilitate attendance monitoring.
He said biometric attendance had already been made mandatory at the Directorate, where disciplinary measures, including withholding of salaries, had been initiated against employees whose attendance records were unsatisfactory over the past three months.
According to Singh, the department’s next step would be to make biometric attendance mandatory in schools as well. While tablets and software had already been distributed, disciplinary enforcement mechanisms were yet to be fully implemented.
Addressing connectivity concerns, he said the application included an offline mode, enabling schools in remote areas to record attendance without internet access.
The data could subsequently be uploaded to the online server through Wi-Fi or internet connectivity at least once every fortnight.
He added that several circulars had already been issued and that a decision on compulsory implementation and related disciplinary measures would be taken soon.
Earlier, the commemorative plaque was unveiled by Singh, while the Jubilee Hall was inaugurated by Senior Sub-Divisional Education Officer (SDEO), Dimapur, Kitoshi Z. Swu. The dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Z.K. Rochill, senior pastor of Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church (DSBC).
The programme began with an invocation by Rev. Khrielevol Pucho, pastor, United Baptist Church (UBC), Midland, followed by a welcome address and presentation by G. Jolly Zhimomi, AEO and SMC chairman. A one-minute silent prayer and a jubilee song by students of GMS Midland followed.
Other highlights included a reminiscence by Leinyu, a third-year M.Div student of Discipleship Bible College, greetings from Midland Council chairman Y. Nribemo Ngullie and Senior SDEO Kitoshi Z. Swu, a choreography presentation by Intajur and friends, and the release of the Golden Jubilee souvenir by DEO Dimapur, Mugaho Zhimomi.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by head teacher Kivito S. Sumi, followed by the benediction and grace for the feast pronounced by Mophish Sangma, Pastor, Garo Baptist Church, Midland.