Schools in Amahator region in crisis; student body demands overhaul

DIMAPUR — The Amahator Range Students’ Union has issued a strong call to action following their recent educational tour, which it said, revealed “shocking and unacceptable crisis” within the schools in the region.

The tour, conducted on August 19 and the 20th, revealed rampant teacher absenteeism, unofficial holidays and alarming incompetence among teaching staff, it said in a statement on Thursday.

The union condemned the blatant violation of service rules by teachers who frequently skip work without valid reasons, depriving students of their fundamental right to quality education. The declaration of unofficial holidays by some schools further compounds the problem, demonstrating a blatant disregard for official schedules and responsibilities, it said.

The student union attributed the decline in educational standards to the incompetence of many teachers who lack professionalism and commitment, and underscored that these practices represent severe abuse of power and serve as a clear indication of systemic failure within the educational system.

Demanding immediate and decisive action, it held both the government and district administration accountable for allowing this crisis to develop unchecked.

Among others, it demanded strict enforcement of teacher attendance policies, thorough evaluations of teaching staff, and a zero-tolerance approach towards unofficial holidays.

“Furthermore, a complete overhaul of school management practice is essential to restore order and effectiveness. The status quo is unacceptable and any further delay in addressing these issues will only exacerbate the damage and undermine the future of our educational institutions,” it stated.

It went on to say that “public patience is wearing thin” and the time for discussions and empty promises is over.

“The demand is clear: deliver concrete solutions and demonstrate a commitment to resolving this crisis without delay,” it asserted.