In response to the backlash surrounding his recent remarks regarding primary teachers’ recruitment, School Education and SCERT adviser Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome clarified that his intentions were not directed against any particular tribe but were simply grounded in factual information.
During an interview at The White Owl Literature Festival & Book Fair, Yhome emphasized that his speech was an internal discussion attended by media representatives, as well as members of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the Eastern Nagal Students’ Federation (ENSF).
Disputing the misrepresentation of his comments, Yhome expressed bewilderment at the amplification of his statement and reiterated his lack of intent to target any specific tribe. He explained that primary teachers are typically assigned to schools within their linguistic areas, noting an excess of teachers from various tribes, not solely Aos and Sumis, in certain regions.
Regarding recruitment strategies, Yhome stressed the importance of considering linguistic factors and disclosed plans to categorize schools based on linguistic demographics. He further addressed concerns about multi-lingual student populations in urban districts, emphasizing that teacher placements would be adapted accordingly.
In response to a joint statement from the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) and All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK), Yhome underscored the necessity of selecting primary teachers based on qualifications, skills, and merit rather than tribal affiliations. He clarified that while recruitment prioritizes native language proficiency, other aspects undergo open competition based on merit, devoid of tribal quotas.
Yhome concluded by emphasizing that the School Education department should not be viewed as a primary source of employment, stressing the importance of merit-based selection processes within the education sector.