TODAY -

The present trend of the engagement of the surrogate teachers in the sub-division of Tamei
- Part 2 -

Aliulakliu Niumei *

A view of Tamei and Tousem Sub Division in Tamenglong District in February 2013
A view of Tamei and Tousem Sub Division in Tamenglong District in February 2013 :: Pix - Ibomcha Yumnam



The past and the present trend of education system under the Autonomous District Council (ADC) Tamenglong.

Tamei is a sub-division in Tamenglong district. Lack of proper education has been the problem of underdevelopment in all aspects of life for a long time. Physical remoteness and the hills topographical feature of the district accentuated this underdevelopment. Education, health, law and order, and the general administration of the sub-division are still in rudimentary stages today.

To tackle the manifold problems of underdevelopment in the hill districts, the Central Government passed "The Manipur (Hill areas) District Council Act, 1971. Accordingly, the first election to the Autonomous District Councils (ADC) was held in 1973. The office of the District Council was found functional from the month of Sept. 1973 and Dm. Nganthonang was the first Chairman of the ADC.

The schools under the ADC was established in 1974. The first recruitment of teachers under the ADC was in 1975. The first education system under the ADC was deputed from parent education (ZEO) in 1974. The 60 (sixty) schools were deputed from education under the ZEO including 162 teachers to schools under the ADC, Tamenglong.

However, soon after the installation and function of the ADC, the the District Council faced many challenges in its working culture, such as, lack of fund and the inability to execute developmental activities without the approval and consent of the State Government. The main issues faced by the ADC are due to lack of legislative powers for the District Council to address in a legitimate approach. ADC elections were thereafter, boycotted by the people and the ADC stopped to function since 1988.

This left an irreversible vacuum in the political space in the hill districts. In its place came the rule by the bureaucrats of the ADC. Under the arrangement, local self-governance suffered and so also the general administration particularly in education, health, developmental projects etc. The implications of this political vacuum are still evident in the primary education sector. Problem of surrogate teachers is one of the major concerns confronting the education sector. Our challenge is the fight against the engagement of surrogate teachers.

The surrogacy system was first adopted at Dunong, Tamei Sub-Division. During 1997-98, the Deputy Commissioner, Tamenglong, Mr. Sajat Hussain, IAS had happened to visit in one of the schools in Tamei Block called "Dunong Govt. Primary School" at Dunong.

During his visit he found a boy who was qualified to teach the classes in place of his father who was the Headmaster of that Government Primary School and the boy was appointed as substitute teacher otherwise surrogate teacher because his father was Class VIII (Eight) only and he is making impressive achievement in the line of teaching far better than his father. Accordingly, the village leaders and the students at this particular village praised and appreciated the boy who spoke with the then Deputy Commissioner in English fluently.

On seeing of the capacity of the boy and ability in many ways, the Deputy Commissioner, Tamenglong himself extended his moral support to continue to teach in the school more efficiently and he rather praised him for his better performance. The Deputy Commissioner, Tamenglong, of course, accepted as an exceptional case, not otherwise.

After many years as soon as the ADC came into being, culture of surrogacy again had revitalized in the area of Tamei sub-division as many Primary School teachers who were Class VIII (eigth) were found ineffective in the line of teaching their pupils. In those days, those who have passed Class VIII (eight) were appointed by the concerned Department as teachers in all Government Primary School.

Statement of the problem:

A teacher who is always absentee obliges hiring local as surrogate teacher has become a socio-politically accepted norm in the primary schools located in the remote hill districts of Manipur.

Local unemployed youth are engaged to teach and also undertake administrative tasks from the conduct of exam to the declaration of result on behalf of the permanent teachers who are occupied in other professions. For rendering these academic and administrative duties, the surrogate teachers are paid about 1/10th amount of the salary of the permanent teachers. Therefore, the prevailing general perception holds that this contractual relation between the permanent teacher and the surrogate teacher is symbiotic and functional.

Moreover, this practice has been informally accorded social sanctity by the local authority and the society as well. Towards this, the headmasters, and the School Management Development Committees (SMDC) normally headed by the chairman of the village authority oversee the recruitment of surrogate teachers, payment of their salaries and the administration of the schools.

Without doubt, this contractual relation between the teachers is symbiotic and functional for the parties con- cerned. However, this surrogate pedagogy has been shown to be detrimental for the students and the schools. As a result, these schools have become largely dysfunctional and so students migrate from these state-run educational institutions to the private schools. Only students who cannot afford to go to private schools remain enrolled in the government primary schools. Further, most of the pupils who continued to study in the state-run primary schools eventually dropped out by the time they reach high schools.

Correspondingly, the untrained surrogate teachers also lose interests and compliments to impart bespoke education. In the end, this system of surrogate teaching adversely affects the teachers' morale, the student's career and the overall quality of educational scenario in the hill districts. This study argues that the problem of surrogate teachers can only be addressed only when the issues of residents and the SMDC, the system that supports it are properly addressed.

Rationale of the Study

Varied causes for this anomic social phenomenon have been identified. Among them, recruitment, residence and syllabus/medium have been widely identified as the primary causes for this social phenomenon. This study however, argues that the above are merely the necessary causes for the social phenomenon of surrogate teachers in the remote hill districts. The sufficient cause for this phenomenon points towards the social norm that has accepted surrogacy in education: the existing belief that surrogate teachers are functionally useful for the teachers, students and the schools.

The study also makes policy recommendations for the state to try and initiate them in order to overcome this social dilemma. The study suggests that the state critically re-examines the prevailing notion that primary education can be easily replicated by even untrained teachers and also evolves an educational system that strictly requires adhering to teaching as a professional career that would also attract the best of talents and committed people.

Concluded ...


* Aliulakliu Niumei wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was posted on January 17, 2016.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.


LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • SPONSORED ADS