Toiho S. Yeptho, Deputy Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chairman of DPDB Zunheboto, along with Dharam Raj, IAS, DC Zunheboto and Vice-Chairman of the DPDB during the meeting on June 13. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | June 13
Zunheboto District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) monthly meeting was held at the DC conference hall on June 13. The meeting was chaired by Toiho S Yeptho, Deputy Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chairman of DPDB Zunheboto, along with Dharam Raj, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto and Vice-Chairman of DPDB.
DC Dharam Raj extended his appreciation to David Sema, District Planning Officer (DPO), for renovation of the DC conference hall, which now includes a sound system, projector and other modern installations.
A PowerPoint presentation was made by Jekugha Sema, Vice Principal of Zunheboto Government College. He highlighted the history of the college, initially established by the Sumi Hoho and later taken over by the Government of Nagaland. He highlighted the challenges faced by IGNOU Study Centre in the district, especially the risk of closure due to low student enrollment, under 100 students could lead to its rejection as a center.
He noted that the college currently has 208 enrolled students in the 1st Semester, with many more expected to be admitted into the third and fifth semesters after the declaration of results, potentially increasing the student strength to over 400. The college hosts more than 39 student clubs and associations and is seeking infrastructural development support, including two smart boards, 10 computer sets, fire extinguishers for all college buildings, and a dedicated power transformer.
He also emphasised for the introduction of B.Ed. courses under the current FYUGP curriculum, as well as the inclusion of a science stream.
In response, the DPDB urged the college to submit proposals to the Power Department for a separate transformer and to the Department of Higher Education for the introduction of the B.Ed. programme.
Kughazhe Swu, Senior Principal, Government Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto, the only school in the district offering a science stream—raised concerns about low student enrollment, which forces students to migrate to other districts to pursue science education.
Deputy Speaker, Toiho S Yeptho expressed concern over the science stream in Zunheboto. “We, as responsible officers, should encourage our children to pursue science education within our district,” he said. Citing the example of Kohima institutions like Jotsoma, which receive thousands of applications, he added, “We need to reflect on why the same is not happening in Zunheboto.”
He proposed inviting principals of all private higher secondary schools in the district to future meetings to discuss the matter.
He emphasised the need for corrective measures, stating, “We should not deprive our children of quality education. We need to build their confidence to seek admission here.”
He also pointed out that while Mokokchung has three government colleges and three private college institutions, Zunheboto has only one government college, which is still struggling. “We must earn the trust of the people. Education is the backbone of society,” he added.
The Deputy Speaker and DC also stressed the importance of attendance at the next DPDB meetings, warning that absentee Heads of Departments (HODs) would not be tolerated. In case of medical emergencies, proper written applications must be submitted to the DC’s office.
Dr Sukhato A Sema, MLA of Pughoboto, underscored the importance of collective responsibility. He shared that his constituency has initiated an educational trust that currently offers free admission to students in classes 8, 9, and 10 in the institutions, leading to increased enrollment.
He also addressed the issue of inadequate power supply at Zunheboto Government College and suggested adopting clean energy sources like solar power, which is being promoted by the Nagaland Power Department. He encouraged the college to submit proposals for a dedicated transformer system.
Regarding education, he noted that the lack of substitute teachers, particularly when female staff take maternity leave, hinders the learning process. He suggested that the education trust could step in to support temporary teaching arrangements during such periods. “If we have a science stream faculty, students will definitely enroll,” he said.
Dr Sukhato emphasised three key areas for district progress quality education, healthcare, and economic development.
The DC added that science is not limited to biology or chemistry but includes disciplines like mathematics and English, making it a foundational area of education.
The meeting also highlighted the REDD+ Project, a 50-year carbon credit initiative under the UNFCCC aimed at boosting the economy while promoting forest conservation, sustainability, and clean energy. The project does not require personal investment and allows participants to exit at any time without penalty. Nagaland currently hosts 75 individual projects, a significant milestone for the state.
Dr Sukhato emphasised that all 60 constituencies should actively promote forest conservation in their own constituency. He suggested that locations like Aghunato, with their dense forest cover, could serve as ideal sites for further expansion of the project. He also proposed that the Zunheboto District Hospital submit a formal proposal to establish a College of Nursing, as a Union Minister is expected to visit the district soon.
The next DPDB meeting will feature a PowerPoint presentation on "Viksit Zunheboto 2047" by the district administration.
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