ANSU calls off its proposed agitational programmes

Itanagar, Aug 6 (UNI) The All Nyishi Students' Union (ANSU) has decided to call off its proposed two-phase strike in the wake of assurances given by state's Education Minister Chowna Mein to fulfill the student body's demands during a meeting held here last evening.

The ANSU, expressing its discontent over the alleged deprivation meted out by the state government to the Nyishis in regard to developmental activities, especially in education sector,had earlier called for a 12-hour capital bandh on August 7 (first phase) and another 12-hour (second phase) bandh of all five Nyishi-dominated districts on August 15, informed ANSU sources here today.

The assurance to meet the long-pending demands by the minister came when the ANSU executives were invited by him and his departmental officials comprising Education Secretary, Technical and Higher Education Director, deputy directors of school education of all five Nyishi-dominated districts, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) officials and others.

The ANSU's demands included establishment of a separate college for the students of the community at Yachuli in Lower Subansiri district, introduction of commerce stream at the higher secondary schools of Seppa, Nyapin and Yazali.

The minister informed the ANSU representatives that the new stream would be introduced at the Seppa and Nyapin HS Schools from the next session, followed by its introduction in Yazali higher secondary school.

ANSU leaders were also informed that the government will grant special package (SPA)-a centrally sponsored scheme-to revive all the dilapidated science laboratories in all the schools of the Nyishi-dominated districts.

ANSU further said the minister has assured to adopt a prudent policy with regard to posting of teachers, while the departmental officials informed that they have already posted 13 teachers to restore the defunct schools. It was also decided in the meeting that action will be taken by the department in tandem with the ANSU against the teachers, who remain absent regularly.

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