KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 28 (MExN): The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has voiced concerns over the shortage of teachers in Eastern Nagaland, citing recent rationalization and transfer notifications issued by the Department of School Education (DoSE). The federation urged the department to take immediate corrective measures, warning that if the issue is not addressed, it could severely impact students' education.
The concerns were raised during the ENSF Presidential Meet held on February 25 at the DUDA Guest House in Kohima. Representatives from all eight federating units—Phom Students’ Conference (PSC), Tikhir Students’ Union (TSU), Eastern Nagaland Sumi Students’ Union (ENSSU), Chang Wedoshi Setsang (CWS), Konyak Students’ Union (KSU), United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC), Yimkhiung Akherü Arihako (YAA), and Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU)—attended the meeting. During the discussions, the federation also resolved to host the 8th ENSF Cultural Fiesta cum General Conference from April 15 to 17 at Tuensang headquarters.
ENSF expressed “concern over the Department’s notifications issued on February 6 and February 10, 2025, regarding the rationalization, transfer, and posting of teachers.” While the federation acknowledged the DoSE’s “commitment to improving the education system across the state” and its decision to put the rationalization process on hold for further review, it emphasized that the process had already resulted in a “severe shortage of teachers in many schools across Eastern Nagaland.” ENSF warned that if the issue is not addressed immediately, it would have “far-reaching consequences, disrupting the academic environment and depriving students of their fundamental right to quality education, as enshrined in the Right to Education Act under the Indian Constitution.”
The federation reminded the department of a notification dated January 9, 2009, and a subsequent letter issued on January 19, 2019, which “clearly states that no post shall be transferred out of the six (6) districts of Eastern Nagaland along with the incumbent.” However, ENSF stated that it was “disheartening that a total of 26 (Twenty six) teachers were transferred out without relievers during the recent rationalization of teachers from six Districts of Eastern Nagaland.”
In response to these developments, ENSF urged the DoSE to take immediate corrective measures. It called on the department to “implement the existing Notification dated January 9, 2009 and subsequent Letter No. DSE/GEN-REP/2013(VOL-1)/567 dated Kohima, the 19th January 2019 in regard to transfer and reliever policy of Teachers.” It also urged the department to conduct a “thorough review by collecting proper statistical data through the DEO (District Education Officer) and SDEO (Sub-Divisional Education Officer).” ENSF further emphasized the need to involve “local stakeholders” to ensure that the next rationalization process is “just and equitable.”
ENSF also appealed to the department “not to be carried away by any political pressure” to ensure fairness in teacher transfers. Additionally, it called for a “special recruitment drive of Subject teachers for Eastern Nagaland as there is a huge shortage of teachers across the region.”
The federation urged the department to take “immediate corrective steps and adopt measures to prevent further disruption in education and to uphold the best interests of the students.”
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