Dimapur Students’ Union Demands Eviction of Health Centre from Government School Premises

The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has raised major concerns about the ongoing occupation of classrooms at Government Middle School (GMS), Midland, Dimapur, by a Health Centre. In an escalating protest, the DNSU has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Principal Director of the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland, demanding the immediate evacuation of the health facility from the school premises. The DNSU has been persistent in its call for the removal of the Health Centre, which has been operating on the school grounds for a considerable time, and has urged authorities to take swift action to restore the classrooms for educational purposes.

The student body has been vocal about the negative impact the health centre’s presence is having on both the learning environment and the public health risks posed by the facility’s location. According to the DNSU, the ongoing occupation of the classrooms is disrupting the educational process and hindering students’ access to a safe and conducive learning environment. Furthermore, the DNSU has expressed serious concerns over the health implications of having a health centre operating in close proximity to students, pointing out the potential risks posed to the young learners and the lack of adequate separation between the healthcare facility and the educational environment.

The situation has been a matter of contention for the DNSU since last year, and despite multiple reminders and calls for action, the Health & Family Welfare Department has yet to vacate the premises. In response to the prolonged inaction, the DNSU, along with students from GMS Midland, organized a demonstration at the school on Tuesday, reiterating their demand for the immediate removal of the health centre. The protest, which took place in front of the school building, saw a strong turnout of students who joined hands in voicing their concerns about the issue.

The DNSU formally submitted a memorandum to the Principal Director of the Health & Family Welfare Department, highlighting the negative impact the health centre’s presence is having on the academic atmosphere. The memorandum was delivered through the office of the Dimapur Deputy Commissioner, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The DNSU specifically pointed to previous directives from the Education Department, issued on July 5, 2024, and October 8, 2024, which instructed the Health & Family Welfare Department to relocate the Health Centre. However, despite these official directives, the health centre has continued to occupy the classrooms, further frustrating the student body and local residents.

In its memorandum, the DNSU emphasized that the ongoing occupation of the school infrastructure was a direct violation of students’ right to education. The union has stated that students’ academic performance and mental well-being have been adversely affected by the disruption caused by the health centre’s presence. The DNSU also expressed disappointment at the lack of urgency in addressing the issue, despite the numerous concerns raised by the union and the public.

The DNSU has now given the Health & Family Welfare Department a seven-day ultimatum to comply with the eviction request. The student body has warned that if the department fails to act within the stipulated time, they will escalate their protests and take further action to ensure that the classrooms are vacated and restored to their intended purpose. The DNSU has made it clear that they will continue to stand firm in their demand for the health centre’s eviction, stressing the importance of protecting students’ rights to quality education in a safe environment.

The controversy surrounding the health centre’s presence at GMS Midland has sparked a broader conversation about the allocation of public infrastructure and the importance of prioritizing the needs of students and their education. While the health centre serves an important public health function, the DNSU’s argument centers around the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between educational institutions and healthcare facilities. In the face of this ongoing dispute, the DNSU is calling for immediate action to address the issue and restore normalcy to the students’ learning environment.

The DNSU’s efforts to have the Health Centre removed from the GMS Midland premises reflect growing concerns about the intersection of public health and education in Dimapur. The student body’s persistent demands and their willingness to take to the streets to voice their frustrations demonstrate their commitment to preserving the quality of education in the region. With the seven-day ultimatum in place, all eyes will be on the Health & Family Welfare Department to see how it responds to the pressure and whether a resolution to this contentious issue can be reached in a timely manner. The outcome of this dispute will likely set a precedent for future decisions involving the allocation of public spaces and the prioritization of students’ educational needs in Nagaland.