Itanagar: Students and youth leaders across Longding district staged a district-wide dharna on Friday, demanding urgent government intervention to address persistent issues in the education sector, including teacher shortages and non-functional institutions.
The protest, organised simultaneously at all government schools in the district, was led by the Longding District Students’ Union (LDSU). Holding placards and raising slogans, demonstrators expressed frustration over administrative apathy and deteriorating learning conditions.
“This dharna is not just a protest—it is a cry for help from an entire generation that feels abandoned by the system,” LDSU president Nokphe Pansa said.
In a memorandum submitted to the state government, the union highlighted several pressing demands, including the acute shortage of teachers in the district.
According to the LDSU, only 290 to 300 teachers are posted across Longding, forcing individual teachers to handle multiple subjects, which has adversely affected classroom learning.
The union called for rational deployment of teachers in accordance with the Right to Education (RTE) Act and National Education Policy (NEP) guidelines.
The LDSU also raised concern over the incomplete and non-functional Government Model Degree College in Kanubari. Initiated in 2018-19, the college has yet to become operational, compelling over 600 students to seek higher education outside the district. Many students reportedly drop out due to financial constraints.
Similarly, the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Longding remains defunct, prompting the LDSU to demand its immediate revival to boost vocational training and tackle rising unemployment and drug abuse among youth.
Other key demands include introduction of commerce stream in Government Higher Secondary Schools in Longding and Kanubari, biometric attendance for teachers, regular distribution of stipend and uniforms under RTE provisions, and appointment of at least three principals, four vice-principals and four headmasters to strengthen school administration.
“The state has failed us for far too long. We hope this collective protest sends a strong message that the students of Longding deserve better,” said LDSU general secretary Mannai Wangsu.
The LDSU has threatened to intensify its agitation if the demands are not met.
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