Y Merina Chishi
Dimapur | June 20
The Nagaland government has run into financial problem to upgrade the state’s oldest polytechnic college to an engineering college. The state Cabinet in 2007 approved the decision to upgrade Kheloshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) to an engineering college. It would be the state’s first engineering college. However, till date there has been no progress in that direction. Sources in the government said that it is faced with ‘funding problem’ and nothing has materialised so far. It is also learnt that affiliation for KPA to a recognised university has not been chalked out.
KPA, formerly established as Nagaland Polytechnic Atoizu (autonomous) is situated at Asukhuto town, under Zunheboto district, spread across 32 acres of land. The college was established in 1972 and has remained the state’s premier institute for higher technical studies. KPA offers three year diploma courses in civil, mechanical, automobile and electronic engineering. Despite the offering to upgrade the college, it would be unfeasible given the condition of existing infrastructure at KPA.
Since its inception the government has pumped in crores of rupees for maintenance of the college. But there is a stark disparity in the amount of money released and progress which has taken place. The 38 year old college still does not have an auditorium, rest house or a playground. The staff quarters are in shambles and mostly beyond repair. Interestingly, the Principal of KPA does not have a quarter. The administrative block and classrooms are no better, as most repairs carried out with World Bank fund in between 2003-04, have withered. Poor power supply hampers proper functioning of practical classes. But, perhaps, the biggest problem faced by students and staff of KPA is shortage of water. The chemistry laboratory is dysfunction as a result of water shortage.
Over the years there have been repeated demands to increase intake of students. But the existing infrastructure cannot concede the demands. The current number of intake is 150 students per year, which is felt excessive due to lack of infrastructure. Classrooms are small and hostel facilities are limited. Most students stay as paying guests.
Though the college has the capacity to develop, political interferences have hampered its progress in many ways. The issue of ‘land ownership’ is also a big factor responsible for its stagnancy. The road starting from Doyang Bridge leading to KPA has also been in a pathetic condition for years. The government had earlier called for proper road maintenance, if KPA is to be upgraded to an engineering college.
The government has already carried out surveys for additional infrastructure needed to upgrade the college. The Zunheboto district administration has also held meetings with land owners over land acquisition. But with lack of funds and crumbling infrastructure, the government might have to double its efforts to sustain the college.
