Second day of agitation for the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu) by the All Sumi Students' Union (SKK) in Kohima on March 7. (Morung Photo)
Imchen recalls cabinet decision; Along urges patience
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 7
The issue of upgrading Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) into a full-fledged engineering college was raised during the ongoing Sixth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, amid the ongoing protests by the All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK).
Speaking on the matter, Advisor Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen recalled the Cabinet’s decision for the upgradation of KPA in December 2007, during his tenure as the Minister in charge of Technical Education.
He recounted his official visit to the institution, where he observed that its infrastructure and facilities were suitable for an engineering college, especially as the state had none at the time.
“With the consent of the then Chief Minister, I prepared and submitted a proposal to the Cabinet for consideration. After thorough deliberation, the Cabinet agreed to upgrade KPA into a full-fledged engineering college in December 2007,” he stated.
Imchen, however, expressed concern that the Nagaland government had failed to issue the necessary official gazette notification to formalise the decision.
He further stressed that the issue should not be viewed as limited to Sumi students alone but as a matter of general concern for the entire state, adding that it is high time the government took note of its own decision and instituted a full-fledged engineering college.
Minister of Higher Education & Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, who previously held charge of Technical Education, acknowledged the demand for an engineering college but maintained that achieving it requires more than just protests.
He informed the House that securing accreditation from the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) was a prerequisite, which the department had worked tirelessly on and successfully completed.
Along also highlighted that the institution must meet the stringent criteria set by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) before it could be upgraded.
Recognising the students’ frustration, Along appealed for patience, assuring, “Through this platform, I would like to appeal to the students’ community that the Department of Technical Education will continue to work hard towards realising this goal.”
