The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the leading student organisation in Mizoram, has urged the state government to take strict action against teachers in government schools who continue to hire proxies to teach in their place. Addressing reporters on Wednesday, MZP president H Lalthianghlima revealed that at least 22 teachers across 14 government schools in six districts have been found using unauthorized substitutes. He said the student body is actively working to eliminate the decades-old malpractice that has negatively impacted the quality of education in state-run institutions. “The MZP has given the government until June 13 to act against those involved,” Lalthianghlima said, stressing that no leniency should be shown to those violating their duties.
Attempts to contact officials from the School Education Department for a response were unsuccessful. The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government, which came to power in December 2023, had pledged to eliminate proxy employment in the state. A directive was issued instructing employees using proxies to report to their departments with valid explanations.Following this move, over 3,600 government employees admitted to hiring proxies, with the School Education Department recording the highest number at 1,115. The Health and Electricity departments reported 624 and 253 such cases, respectively.
While many cited health issues and domestic problems as reasons for hiring substitutes, Chief Minister Lalduhoma informed the Assembly in March that all employees had since returned to duty and no proxies remained.
