School faces closure amid dispute over staff transfer in Mokokchung

September 20, 2024 7 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Mokokchung | September 20

The Government Middle School (GMS) in Marepkong, Mokokchung, was reportedly shut down today by landowners following a dispute over the transfer of a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) or Grade IV employee.

The landowners are demanding the revocation of the transferred staff, who is reportedly not a local landowner, citing a violation of an agreement made with the government.

According to sources, the landowners claimed that in 1973, an agreement was signed with the government ensuring that all contract work and the hiring of Grade IV staff would prioritise landowners. They alleged that this agreement has been ignored, leading to the current protest.

In a letter addressed to the Principal Director of the Directorate of School Education (DoSE), the landowners issued a seven-day ultimatum, which expired on September 18, prompting today’s school shutdown.

In a related incident, the landowners of GMS Senkalemba, Arkong Ward, Mokokchung, have also issued a 15-day ultimatum in protest over the recent posting of an MTS/Grade IV employee. In another letter to the DoSE Principal Director, the landowners demanded the revocation of the staff member’s joining report, asserting that their previous complaint was “totally ignored.”

The letter stated, “The landowners have agreed that the transfer/posting and submission of the joining report in the said school is totally rejected as it violates the rights of the landowners. As such, the said joining report of posting/transfer should be revoked within 15 days from the date of receipt of this letter.”

Failure to comply with the ultimatum, the landowners cautioned, would result in the school being shut down, and the department will be held responsible for any consequences.

It was learned that the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung has called for a meeting to address the situation. However, the outcome of the meeting was not known at the time of filing this report.