Dimapur: The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has acknowledged the state government’s introduction of the Smile App for monitoring teacher attendance and efficiency but raised concerns over technical glitches and deeper systemic issues affecting Nagaland’s education sector.
While DNSU appreciated the initiative for its potential to improve accountability, the union reported that many teachers were unable to log in and mark their attendance due to unresolved technical issues. They urged the authorities to resolve these problems immediately to prevent unnecessary disruptions for teachers.
Beyond attendance monitoring, DNSU emphasized that the Smile App should not be considered a standalone solution for improving education quality. The union pointed out that true reform must focus on assessing and enhancing the dedication, efficiency, and competence of teachers, warning that without such measures, the Smile App could remain a symbolic rather than transformative initiative.
The union also raised pressing concerns about teacher shortages, particularly in Mathematics and Science, which have severely impacted learning outcomes. Additionally, infrastructure deficiencies—such as computer teachers without access to computers and vocational education programs lacking proper equipment—were highlighted as major obstacles to implementing practical and digital education programs in government schools.
DNSU further called for a reassessment of staffing allocations, citing disproportionate teacher-student ratios that leave many schools either overstaffed or severely understaffed. They urged the government to prioritize teacher deployment based on actual student needs.
Beyond education, DNSU stressed the need to extend the Smile App initiative across all government offices to ensure efficiency and accountability across public service departments.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for educational improvements and called upon the government to implement holistic reforms that go beyond attendance tracking to truly uplift the state’s education system.
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