Manipur government’s ‘School fagathansi Mission’ goes for a toss at Nampisha (Ramphoi) Primary school in Nampisha village, Kamjong district. A visit by the Imphal Free Press (IFP) team found the government teachers posted at the primary school defying government orders and using local substitutes to continue regular classes.
During the inspection visit, the IFP team found the school buildings in good condition but government appointed staff were absent. When enquired about it, villagers said that the government teachers posted at the school refused to stay in the village though proper living quarters for the staff were provided. They said the school hostel for the students are also well constructed.
Nampisha village secretary AS Aphang told the Imphal Free Press that four government teaching staff were posted in the school.
“In their place, four local substitute teachers are continuing regular classes on meagre salary shared by the government teachers,” he added.
He revealed that the government teachers gave Rs 6,000 from their salary to the substitutes in exchange for them to stay at home comfortably. However, the teachers posted at the school would come to official functions for attendance and leave after it was over, he added.
“They only come for photo sessions, as proof of record for government data,” he said.
Aphang pointed out that the villagers wanted to upgrade the school to junior high school level but neglect and utter disregard of government orders by the teachers hindered the school’s progress.
He said the student strength in the school declined over the years and now the school has only 20 students altogether. Pointing out that there were no students for some of the classes, he stated that the school might even lose its primary school status if the situation continues.
Aphang exuded confidence that the school would improve if regular teachers were stationed.
The village secretary maintained that the school received basic government provisions such as free books, uniforms and mid-day meals. He also added that no admission fees were charged for enrolment in the school.
“All the necessities of a government school are provided but absence of proper teaching staff is the only problem in the school” Aphang said.
The village secretary further said that most families in the village could not bear the expenses of sending their children for education outside the village. He also maintained that the villagers had filed several complaints to authorities concerned but with little success. As such, he urged the Manipur government to post regular teachers at the primary school and resolve the plights of the villagers at the earliest.
Nampisha Primary School was established in 1939 and is managed by the Tribal/Social Welfare Department. According to official web portal, seven teachers are posted at the school.
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