ITANAGAR, July 3: In a concerning turn of events, the Education Department is once again facing backlash after the All Tirap District Students’ Union, in collaboration with the Nocte Students’ Union, Tutsa Students’ Union, and Ollo Students’ Union, claimed that several laptops awarded to meritorious students in Tirap District were found to be substandard. This incident has caused unease among the student community in the district.
According to the President of ATDSU, Jawang Bangsia, laptops were distributed to students on June 28, last, under the Scheme of Budget Announcement 2021-22. However, later complaint was received from students that the laptops awarded to them are substandard and upon examination, it was discovered that the laptops had numerous malfunctions and defects. The student unions strongly condemned this incident, emphasizing that it undermines educational progress and student motivation.
In response to the student’s concerns, the unions have submitted a representation to the Director of Secondary Education, seeking an immediate inquiry into the incident. We have also requested that all relevant office bearers, including the executing firm responsible for procuring and distributing the laptops, be included in the investigation to ensure a fair and reasonable outcome, stated Bangsia.
Director of Secondary Education, Marken Kadu while speaking with the media clarified that the firm was awarded the work based on the tender process. He confirmed that the department has not released any payment to the supplier for the laptops thus far. Kadu assured that no payments would be released until satisfactory materials are supplied to each district. He also urged all District Deputy Directors of School Education (DDSEs) to thoroughly check and verify each item before handing them over to the students.
Under the Budget Announcement 2021-22, a total of Rs. 150 crore was allocated for the procurement of laptops to be awarded to meritorious students in every district. As per the guidelines, at least eight laptops were to be distributed to each district, informed the Director of Secondary Education.