The Anal Lenruwl Tangpi (ALT), also known as the Anal Naga Students’ Union, has expressed serious concern over the continued shortage of teaching staff at Chakpikarong Higher Secondary School, saying repeated appeals to the authorities have failed to produce any concrete action.
In a press statement issued by its general secretary, WL Jonah Ningtung, the union said the school serves students from the Anal community as well as neighbouring Meitei and Kuki communities. It said the institution currently has 63 students but only five teaching staff.
The union said such enrolment reflected public confidence in a government higher secondary school at a time when many parents preferred private institutions. It, however, alleged that the government’s apparent neglect was putting the students’ academic future at risk.
The ALT said it had met the district competent authority on August 27 this year to seek a solution to the issue. Following the meeting, it said, the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner to write to the SDO Chakpikarong (In-charge), asking him to conduct a field inspection and submit a detailed report on the school.
According to the statement, the required inspection has still not been carried out and no copy of any report has been shared with the union. The union alleged that the delay had stalled necessary intervention in the matter.
Questioning the delay, the ALT asked whether the ADM had failed to forward the DC’s directive to the SDO, or whether the SDO had ignored the formal communication issued under the DC’s direction.
The union said the situation had damaged the image of the district administration and urged the officials concerned to act responsibly and address the school’s grievances without further delay.
“The concerned authorities should stop their usual hanky-panky and remember that they are responsible officers meant to serve the people, not performers in a circus,” the statement said.
The ALT urged the administration to resolve the staffing crisis at Chakpikarong Higher Secondary School at the earliest in the interest of the students.
