Atoizu, May 29 (MExN): The All Nagaland College Students' Union (ANCSU) has raised its concern regarding the urgent need to upgrade the Khelhoshe Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) into a full-fledged engineering college.
It maintained that delay in upgrading KPA to an engineering college deprives students of essential educational opportunities and hinders the state’s progress in technical education. “This neglect can be seen as a violation of students' right to education, limiting their potential and future prospects,” the Union stated in its representation to the state Chief Secretary.
Signed by its president Tenyesinlo Bukh and vice president H Kivika Achumi, the representation highlighted the absence of degree-awarding institutions, particularly engineering colleges, in the state.
Appreciating the state government's commitment to skill-oriented education, the ANCSU mentioned that the establishment of nine government polytechnic institutes across Nagaland has significantly enhanced technical education in the state. These institutes offer three-year diploma programs in various fields under the Department of Technical Education. “However, it is disheartening to observe the absence of degree-awarding institutions, particularly engineering colleges, over the past several years,” it added.
It recalled that the Department of Technical Education was inaugurated in 1972 with the establishment of Nagaland Polytechnic at Atoizu in Zunheboto, now known as Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu. This institution has played a pivotal role in providing technical education in Nagaland, the ANCSU stated.
It further mentioned that the state cabinet approved the introduction of a civil engineering degree course at KPA on December 17, 2007 and in 2021, KPA received accreditation from the National Board of Accreditation for three courses: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electronics Engineering, valid for three years.
Terming the accreditation as a significant milestone, the Union said that it raised hopes among students and educators for the establishment of a full-fledged engineering college in Nagaland.
Despite these promising developments, the state government's continued inaction on the matter is a grave concern, the ANCSU stated.
In this regard, it urged the Chief Secretary to prioritize the issue and expedite necessary processes to upgrade Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu to a full-fledged engineering college, which would “not only fulfil a longstanding promise but also significantly benefit the educational landscape of Nagaland.”
