Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Nagaland Advisor for School Education, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, recently outlined a comprehensive plan to reform the state education system. Speaking at the Nagaland Government Higher Secondary School Employees’ Association conference, he emphasized a three-pillar strategy focusing on infrastructure, governance, and human resource management.
The government plans to sign a Rs. 10 crore Memorandum of Understanding with Google to bolster STEM and digital preparedness. Digital initiatives already underway include Saturday Art Class, which uses AI for animation and gaming, alongside partnerships with Dream a Dream for socio-emotional learning. In Kohima and Dimapur, Yamaha International has introduced pilot recorder-based music programs.
Teacher recruitment remains a priority to fix shortages in Mathematics and Science, specifically Physics and Chemistry. While 70 postgraduate teachers will join following NPSC interviews, Yhome noted 30 additional posts are coming. He warned that if local candidates cannot fill these technical roles, the state may hire from outside despite public opposition. Graduate and primary teacher hiring remains frozen due to a surplus of existing staff.
"Every Naga born ultimately learns so many languages. So our hands are full," Yhome said regarding Sanskrit implementation. He clarified that language mandates depend on whether a school is affiliated with NBSE, ICSE, or CBSE.
The department is restructuring school ecosystems to favor composite schools, with only 21 of 57 current higher secondary schools qualifying. Data gathering is complete for potential school amalgamations and closures in rural areas. Meanwhile, the state is building a mobile application to track teacher attendance and leave records in real-time, aiming to cut down on absenteeism.
Financial pressures remain heavy. The government spent Rs. 1,038 crore on medical reimbursements and leave encashment over five years. During the last year alone, retiring teachers claimed Rs. 39 crore. As the department pushes forward, Yhome acknowledged past leadership errors and urged staff to prepare for upcoming changes in service rules and district education office management.
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