Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR : The Save Arunachal Youth Association (SAYA) has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), expressing concern over the condition of the state’s education sector and urging the government to take immediate corrective measures to address what it described as administrative lapses and declining educational standards.
Addressing a press conference here on Monday, SAYA president Likha Rajnik alleged that negligence among certain officials and teaching staff has adversely affected the quality of education, particularly in rural and remote areas. He claimed that inadequate monitoring, teacher absenteeism and weak administrative oversight have contributed to declining enrolment and the growing number of defunct government schools.
Emphasising the importance of quality education, Rajnik said every child has the right to proper schooling under the Right to Education (RTE) Act and urged the government to ensure continued access to educational facilities, especially for students from economically weaker sections who depend on government schools.
Expressing concern over the reported closure of a large number of schools, Rajnik alleged that educational administrators at various levels have failed to effectively monitor institutions and address issues affecting the teaching-learning process. He claimed that around 1,238 schools in the state have become defunct and alleged that several teachers posted in such institutions continue to draw salaries without being redeployed.
He urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and take appropriate action wherever required.
According to Rajnik, the memorandum also raised concerns regarding the functioning of District Deputy Directors of School Education (DDSEs), Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs), Block Resource Centre Coordinators (BRCCs), Block Education Officers (BEOs) and teaching staff. The association alleged that lapses in supervision and accountability have contributed to the deterioration of educational standards in several districts.
SAYA has sought the constitution of an independent high-level inquiry committee comprising senior judicial officers, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, Indian Police Service (IPS) officers and other competent authorities to investigate the alleged irregularities and identify shortcomings within the Education Department.
The association further called for reforms in teacher deployment, stronger monitoring mechanisms, transparent transfer and posting policies, and strict enforcement of service rules to ensure teachers report to their assigned places of duty on time. It also urged the government to review decisions relating to school closures and explore measures to strengthen educational institutions, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Rajnik expressed hope that the government would take serious note of the issues raised and initiate appropriate measures to improve the education sector, restore public confidence in government schools and safeguard the future of students across the state.
During the press conference, Rajnik also urged the state government to hand over the alleged mismanagement of Rs 183 crore under the Fisheries Department in Kra-Daadi district to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an impartial investigation.
He further demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, alleging that complaints related to government tenders worth over Rs 1,200 crore purportedly linked to the Chief Minister warrant a comprehensive investigation by the CBI without external influence or interference.
