Kekhrielhoulie Yhome Addresses Teacher Shortage and Attendance Issues in

Kohima, India Aug 23, 2026 ALN: KOHIMA, AUG 22: The School Education department of is taking significant steps to address the pressing issue of teacher shortages, particularly in key subjects such as Mathematics and Science. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, the advisor for School Education, announced plans to enhance attendance monitoring and implement a digital system for tracking teachers' attendance and leave records.

Teacher shortages have become a critical concern across various regions in India, and is no exception. The state's unique geographical and cultural landscape presents additional challenges in recruiting qualified educators, particularly in specialized subjects. The lack of adequate teaching staff can severely impact the quality of education, leading to gaps in student learning and achievement. Yhome's commitment to addressing this issue comes at a time when the education sector is under increasing scrutiny to deliver effective learning outcomes.

During a media interaction on the sidelines of a program in Kohima, Yhome emphasized the need for immediate action to fill the gap of postgraduate teachers in crucial subjects. He noted that the government has recognized this challenge and, following a Cabinet decision, will initiate emergency recruitment to address the shortage. The specifics of this recruitment process are yet to be determined by the government, but the urgency of the situation has prompted officials to consider various strategies to attract qualified candidates.

Clarifying the Role of Sanskrit in Education

Yhome also clarified the status of Sanskrit in schools, explaining that its implementation is contingent upon the respective education boards. He pointed out that has schools affiliated with various boards, including the Board of School Education (NBSE), ICSE, and CBSE. According to Yhome, Sanskrit is not compulsory under the NBSE's language policy, which prioritizes the mother tongue. He remarked, “Every Naga born ultimately learns so many languages. So our hands are full.” This highlights the linguistic diversity of the Naga population, where multiple languages coexist, and the challenge of integrating additional languages into the curriculum.

However, schools under ICSE and CBSE must adhere to their respective mandates regarding language offerings. This distinction in language policy between different educational boards reflects the broader debate on the role of classical languages in modern education and their relevance in contemporary society.

Addressing Teacher Shortages

Yhome highlighted the acute shortage of postgraduate teachers in subjects like Chemistry—both Organic and Inorganic—and Physics. He acknowledged that this shortage is partly due to unfilled posts under the backward quota, which is intended to promote educational equity among marginalized communities. Despite facing opposition from some public organizations regarding the recruitment of teachers from outside the state, Yhome stated that the government may have no alternative if qualified teachers are not available, especially for technical subjects. This situation raises important questions about the balance between local employment opportunities and the need for expertise in critical academic areas.

The challenges of teacher recruitment are compounded by the need for specialized training and professional development. Many educators may require ongoing training to stay updated with the latest pedagogical methods and subject knowledge, further complicating the recruitment process. The state may need to consider innovative solutions, such as partnerships with educational institutions and universities, to enhance the skills of current teachers and attract new talent.

Improving Teacher Attendance

To combat issues of teacher attendance, Yhome mentioned that the department is implementing several measures to ensure that government teachers are present in schools and actively teaching students. An attendance system is already in place, but instances of teachers not attending classes persist. To enhance this system, the department is collaborating with the IT Department to develop an integrated IT system and mobile application for maintaining attendance and leave records. This digital initiative aims to streamline the process of tracking teacher attendance, making it more efficient and transparent.

Yhome explained that all forms of leave would need to be entered into this system, allowing for more effective monitoring of attendance and leave. He reassured that attendance records would be automatically updated once internet connectivity is restored, minimizing the need for constant oversight. This move towards digitalization reflects a broader trend in education, where technology is increasingly being utilized to improve administrative processes and enhance accountability.

Financial Implications of Teacher Leave

Yhome also addressed the financial burden associated with medical reimbursements and leave encashment for teachers. He revealed that teachers who retired last year alone accounted for approximately Rs. 39 crore in these two categories. Over the past five years, the government has incurred around Rs. 1,038 crore across all departments for medical reimbursements and leave encashment. This significant financial outlay raises concerns about the sustainability of the current system and the need for better management of teacher attendance and leave policies.

He noted that there have been instances where teachers' attendance records were not accurately maintained before retirement, leading to disputes over full leave encashment. Such discrepancies not only strain government resources but also affect the morale of teachers, who may feel undervalued if their contributions are not adequately recognized. The proposed digital attendance system aims to address these issues by providing a clear and accurate record of teacher attendance, thereby reducing the potential for disputes.

In conclusion, the initiatives outlined by Yhome reflect a proactive approach by the government to tackle the dual challenges of teacher shortages and attendance issues. By implementing a digital attendance system and planning for emergency recruitment, the state aims to enhance the quality of education and ensure that students receive the instruction they deserve. The implications of these measures extend beyond immediate administrative concerns; they also represent a commitment to improving educational outcomes for future generations in . Ultimately, the success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation and ongoing support for both teachers and students.