Dimapur: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Tuesday urged the Nagaland government to constitute a high-powered committee within one month to formulate the modalities of the proposed Nagaland Non-Government Educational Institutions (Regulation of Fees) Act.
In a representation to the chief secretary, the federation urged the government to formulate a comprehensive policy as proposed within three months and enact and implement the Act within six months.
It said it had been consistently examining the establishment and functioning of educational institutions, wherein private institutions continue to foster quality education and achieve commendable academic results in Nagaland.
While acknowledging the credibility of these institutions, the NSF said it is equally important to monitor their recognition, establishment, and functioning to create an environment where institutions can grow and perform effectively.
After an extensive study of the matter, the federation concluded that the state government should enact the Nagaland Non-Government Educational Institutions (Regulation of Fees) Act to safeguard the interests and well-being of students, teachers, and educational institutions.
It stated that the purpose of the proposed policy is to regulate fees and admissions in private and professional educational institutions to prevent arbitrary fee hikes and the harassment of students and parents.
“It should also regulate the salaries of teachers employed in private institutions, who are often deprived of their rightful remuneration,” the NSF said.
It said the regulation of fees through a systematic policy should take into consideration factors such as the location of the institution, the infrastructure available, the classes or courses offered, the qualifications of teaching and non-teaching staff, salary components and annual increments, expenditure incurred per student in relation to the total income of the institution, and other relevant parameters.
The policy should, however, be framed after taking into account the concerns of all stakeholders so that it serves as a valuable asset for the state, the federation added.