Why do private schools do better? MP Supongmeren Jamir asks at Zunheboto

Nagaland's only Lok Sabha MP, S. Supongmeren Jamir, on Tuesday asked the state's Education Department to explain why private schools were getting better academic results than government schools, NE Now reported.

Jamir raised the question at a meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) for Zunheboto district, held at the Deputy Commissioner's conference hall.

'Fewer resources, better results'

The MP noted that private schools were doing better despite having relatively limited infrastructure, fewer staff and lower salaries, while government schools, which generally have better facilities and pay their teachers more, continued to struggle. He said the problem was not confined to Zunheboto but existed across Nagaland.

He urged the department to pay equal attention to primary and elementary classes, stressing that strong foundational learning was the key to better results later.

The Education Department accepted that there was a gap and said a shortage of subject teachers and other operational problems were among the reasons. The District Education Officer made a presentation on how schools in the district were functioning.

Textbooks, uniforms and teacher postings

The meeting also flagged practical problems in government schools:

• Late textbooks: officials said delays in supplying free textbooks were causing difficulties for students and asked that learning material reach schools before each academic session begins.
• Ill-fitting uniforms: concerns were raised that ready-made school uniforms often did not fit students.
• Teacher rationalisation: participants suggested that Block Education Officers be consulted so teachers are spread more evenly across schools.

Jamir also reviewed the progress of other development schemes in the district and asked all departments to give priority to Zunheboto's needs and carry out programmes effectively.

Why it matters

Teacher shortages have become a flashpoint in Nagaland this season. In Wokha district, student bodies have shut government schools and sealed offices in recent weeks to demand subject teachers. The state is also due to hold its sixth teacher eligibility test (N-TET) on November 21.