LMRSU’s seven-day notice on DoSE for neglect

Lotha Middle Range Students’ Union (LMRSU) has expressed serious concern over the deteriorating state of education in Sanis and adjoining areas under Wokha district and served a seven-day grace period to the Department of School Education to address its long-pending demands.
At a press conference held Tuesday at Sanis multipurpose hall, LMRSU president, Rhonbemo Murry, lamented that Government High School (GHS) Sanis has been without essential teachers for decades, including English and mathematics. He pointed out that a mathematics teacher appointed in 2002 had expired in 2004 before taking charge, leaving the post vacant ever since. He also highlighted the “pathetic” condition of GHS Sanis, established in 1960, which has not undergone major renovation for nearly 60 years, forcing students to study in unsafe classrooms.
LMRSU general secretary, Lichon Kithan, informed that the union had undertaken an educational tour across the middle range in March 2025 and found numerous anomalies.
In its representation submitted on March 14, the union highlighted the urgent need for desks and benches at GHSS Sungro along with additional teaching and non-teaching staff, including a Lotha language teacher, an Alternative English PGT, and an LDA. It also pointed out that GPS Sector-A Pangti required the implementation of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and additional classrooms, while GMS Aree Old was in need of a female teacher to guide girl students and a Hindi teacher for the primary section.
The union reminded that it had earlier submitted a representation on March 20 to the principal director of school education, followed by a memorandum on May 19, and later a 15-day ultimatum on August 8. With no response from the department, the ultimatum expired on August 23. On August 26, LMRSU served a seven-day grace period, warning of democratic agitation if the government failed to act.
The union said the first phase of agitation would include black badge demonstrations and class boycotts, while subsequent phases would see intensified protests. It also clarified that it would not be held responsible for any untoward incidents arising from negligence by authorities, while reiterating its willingness to negotiate.
Meanwhile, the Lotha Middle Range Public Organisation (LMRPO) president, John Murry, extended support to the students, accusing the government of “neglect” and pointing out flaws in the teacher rationalisation policy, which he said had further weakened rural schools. He urged the Education department to revisit its approach and ensure equitable distribution of teachers and infrastructure.
Reiterating that the middle range remains one of the most neglected areas, both LMRSU and LMRPO appealed to the department to immediately appoint teachers, initiate renovation works, and safeguard the right to education for students in the region.