Aizawl, May 19: Teachers from adhoc aided schools across Mizoram staged a protest outside the gate of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in Aizawl on Monday, demanding that all adhoc aided schools in the state be brought under the government through the process of provincialisation.
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| Teachers from adhoc aided schools stage a protest outside the Chief Minister’s Office in Aizawl, demanding inclusion of all schools under Mizoram’s provincialisation policy. |
The demonstration was organized with the support of the Mizoram Adhoc Aided High School Teachers Association (MAHSTA), whose members expressed concern over the government’s proposed approach to provincialisation. The teachers argued that the current criteria under consideration could leave many schools, particularly those located in rural and remote areas, excluded from the process.
According to the protesters, the government is considering implementing provincialisation based on student enrolment figures. Teachers claimed that such a policy would place many rural schools at a disadvantage because sparsely populated areas often struggle to maintain high enrolment numbers despite serving essential educational needs within their communities.
The protesting teachers stated that several schools in remote regions play a vital role in providing access to education where alternative institutions are limited or unavailable. They warned that applying strict enrolment-based criteria could result in many schools being left out of the provincialisation programme, creating uncertainty for both institutions and their staff.
Participants in the protest urged the government to reconsider the proposed framework and adopt a more inclusive approach that takes into account the unique circumstances of schools operating in rural and geographically challenging areas. They argued that educational institutions should not be judged solely on enrolment figures, especially when they continue to serve communities with limited educational infrastructure.
Teachers also expressed concern about their future employment prospects if their schools are excluded from provincialisation. Many said they have spent years serving under difficult conditions, often with limited resources, while remaining committed to educating students in their respective communities.
As part of the protest, representatives of MAHSTA submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Lalduhoma outlining their concerns and demands. In the memorandum, the association emphasized that many adhoc aided high schools in Mizoram have been operating for more than three decades and have contributed significantly to the state’s education sector.
The association pointed out that numerous teachers have continued their service despite financial and professional challenges because of their commitment to the educational needs of local communities. They maintained that these contributions should be recognised when decisions regarding provincialisation are made.
According to MAHSTA, limiting provincialisation to only a select number of schools could create disparities within the education sector and leave many long-serving teachers without the security and benefits associated with government service. The association therefore called for a policy that accommodates all eligible adhoc aided schools rather than only those meeting specific enrolment benchmarks.
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The teachers appealed to the government to carefully consider the situation faced by schools that may be excluded under the current proposal and to ensure that decisions are made in a fair and equitable manner. They urged policymakers to take into account factors such as location, community needs, and the historical contribution of schools to education in Mizoram.
The protest remained peaceful throughout the day as teachers voiced their concerns and called for dialogue with the government. Officials have not yet issued a detailed response to the demands, but the association expressed hope that the state government would engage with stakeholders and arrive at a solution that addresses the concerns of affected schools and teachers.
The issue of provincialisation remains a significant concern for educators across Mizoram, with many viewing it as crucial for the long-term stability of schools and the welfare of teachers serving in the state’s aided institutions.
