HT Bureau
NAMSAI, May 11: In a concerted move to revamp the educational landscape of Lower Subansiri district, MLA of Ziro-Hapoli, Er Hage Appa, chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the District Secretariat Building, Ziro.
The meeting, aimed at addressing the pressing issue of low enrolment rates in government schools, brought together key stakeholders from the education sector, including school management committees (SMCs), education officials, and civil society representatives.
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According to an official statement issued following the meeting, the MLA expressed deep concern over the declining enrolment figures and the deteriorating state of government-run educational institutions in the district.
He underscored the urgent need for systemic reforms to improve student intake and the overall quality of education.
While acknowledging the challenges, Er Appa also lauded the efforts of the School Management Committee of N G Government Secondary School, Tajang Village, which has reportedly made notable progress in boosting student enrolment.
He called on the committee to share its successful model with other schools in the district, suggesting that replicable strategies at the grassroots level could significantly impact enrolment figures.
The MLA emphasised the importance of empowering local SMCs, advocating for their creation in areas with minimal administrative oversight.
He highlighted that direct engagement between SMCs, parents, teachers, and students is crucial for effective monitoring and accountability in government schools.
Further, he assured attendees that there would be no political interference from his side in the transfer and posting of teachers, entrusting the responsibility of rationalizing staff distribution to the Education Department and SMCs.
Deputy Commissioner of Lower Subansiri, Vivek H P (IAS), also addressed the gathering and urged introspection among stakeholders.
He questioned why private school teachers remain highly motivated despite often earning lower salaries than their government counterparts.
Stressing the role of leadership in schools, he said, “Every student deserves a clean and conducive environment for learning, and it is the responsibility of headmasters and principals to ensure the upkeep of their institutions.”
Calling schools the “building blocks of our civilized society,” the DC encouraged teachers and administrators to remain committed even to challenging students.
He proposed a multi-pronged and multi-dimensional approach to improve the district’s 18 proposed government schools, emphasising better infrastructure, increased enrolment, and enhanced academic standards.
District Academic Education Officer (DAEO), Shri Rubu Buker, provided a detailed account of the enrolment initiative undertaken at N G Government Secondary School, Tajang.
He revealed that a 12-member task force was constituted, with each member assigned to bring in at least five students.
The effort, he said, was bolstered by collaboration with the Tajang Welfare Council, which has been instrumental in offering free books, transportation, and coaching for students who require additional academic support.
Adding to the discourse, Tage Opo, Block Resource Centre Coordinator (BRCC), highlighted a significant structural reform underway in the district.
He said that the number of government schools had been reduced from 76 to 25 during the 2024–25 academic session, with plans to further consolidate to 18 schools in the 2025–26 session.
The strategy, he explained, is intended to facilitate effective monitoring, teacher rationalisation, and quality education delivery.
“Consolidation will allow us to focus our resources and improve learning outcomes,” said Opo.
He also stressed the necessity of providing qualified teachers and improved infrastructure to regain the trust of students and parents in public education.
From the civil society front, Pura Nado, President of the Apatani Students Union, voiced the need for stricter oversight not just on students, but on teachers as well.
“Earlier, students were disciplined in schools. Now, the time has come to discipline irregular teachers,” he stated.
Drawing a comparison between private and government schools, Nado noted that private institutions are more adept at marketing their facilities and results through social media and suggested that government schools adopt similar promotional strategies.
He also proposed the organisation of inter-school co-curricular activities such as literary meets and sports tournaments to foster a spirit of healthy competition among students.
In a significant resolution proposed by MLA Hage Appa and agreed upon unanimously by those present, the meeting concluded with a decision to entrust SMCs, Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs), and apex village bodies with the responsibility of improving both enrolment and educational standards in their respective areas.
The meeting also saw participation from several prominent community representatives, including Tage Rita, Secretary of the Apatani Women Association Ziro (AWAZ), and Hage Komo, Secretary of Tanii Supun Dukun (TSD), among others, who shared their perspectives and committed to supporting the district’s education mission.
The initiative signals a hopeful beginning for educational reform in Lower Subansiri and reflects a broader push towards community-driven governance in the state’s public education system.
