International-class University in Nagaland soon, initial investment to touch Rs. 30 to 40 crores
Al Ngullie
August 6
DIMAPUR (MExN): The NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Government on Wednesday, August 3 approved in principle the setting up of an “international class university” at Wokha district. According to a Minister who refused to be identified, the proposal has already been approved by the State Cabinet and that necessary formalities relevant to the proposed educational initiative would proceed at the earliest. According to a highly-placed source, the necessary financial and technical assessment of the proposal would be presented soon.
According to initial plans, the campus is to be located in Wokha district, about 80 Kilometers away from the State capital. The Government is understood to have taken the initiative in roping in Open Global University; a Delhi based educational society incepted few years ago. However, former Minister of Education Shurhozelie informed that the Delhi based society had approached the Nagaland Government to set up a private university-rank institution in Nagaland. “We have approved the request in principle. The next step would be to prepare the Act and draft it carefully because once the institution opens, it should be according to the needs of the Nagas” Shurhozelie said. He further said that the proposed University would focus more on IT education. “There are not much subjects offered here in Nagaland which students can access to so I trust it (the University) would help the people” the Minister said.
According to latest information the proposed university would be offering job-oriented, professional courses. Government sources also said that Open Global University was prepared to invest about Rs 30 to 40 Crores for the mega project. Highly-placed sources also disclosed that the people of Wokha have already agreed to donate 25 acres of land for the campus.
Replying to a query why the proposed University should be located in Wokha District considering districts like Dimapur and Kohima were more accessible in terms of transportation, facilities and infrastructure, a Cabinet minister said the DAN-Government wanted to “scatter” development across the State.
“The reason for setting up a university of rank was to promote a healthy intellectual competition among educational institutions as well as to focus on the perpetually progressive trends of educational edification while meeting the demands of technology in Nagaland” the Minister said. Another Parliamentary Secretary said that the idea was to revive and consolidate the present educational system, particularly in the context of the Nagaland University (NU) from “its present state of stagnancy” and promote high-quality education.
“Setting up the university would mean stiff competition in the field of education in Nagaland” said Kheto, Minister, Forest, Border Affairs, and S&WC. “It will also encourage other private universities, both Private and government-run, to participate in the State” he added.
Highly-placed sources disclosed that a High-level committee would soon be appointed, to oversee procedural assessment, curriculum, locating and proposing sites etc. Dr. TM Lotha, Minister of Agriculture interacting with this reporter, said it was too early to say anything on the outcome of the proposal since a MOU was still yet to be signed with the Society. “Moreover the proposal would have to be passed by the State Assembly first” he added.
- Opening of a Professional/Technology/job-oriented University of Rank in Wokha approved by State Cabinet in principle.
- Collaboration between the Government and Open Global University
- Initial investment about Rs. 30 to 40 Crores. Government’s Investment to be substantial too.
- Suggested courses include Engineering, Electronics, Agro-studies. No Medicine.
- MOU to be signed dependant on the proposals from the OGU.
- High-level committee to oversee the proposal
- Wokha agrees to donate 25 acres of land.