Kohima, August 6 (MExN): The Government of Nagaland today announced that it is in the final process of implementing the revised University Grants Commission (UGC) scale for colleges of the state. Addressing the 44th “freshers” day gathering at the Kohima College auditorium, Commissioner & Secretary for Higher & Technical Education, FP Solo said with the new scale, the government is also be implementing UGC regulations 2010 which would require college teachers to work for at least 40 hours a week.
Also, pointing out that only a small percentage of students (ten out of hundred students between the age group of 18 to 24 years) opt to pursue higher education after graduation, Solo said the government is trying its best to improve the growth rate in higher education and professional studies. The commissioner also said unemployment is highest among graduates as a result of lack of skill and professionalism. In an effort to tackle this problem the government has come up with job-oriented programmes by launching its ‘Year of Entrepreneurs’ under which 1,000 youths will be selected for professional trainings, he said. The official said that this move is to give them a platform for starting self-employment ventures. He urged the students to take advantage of the opportunity to be employed meaningfully.
Noting that the problem with the Naga youth is lack of professionalism and casualness, he advised the students to aim for professionalism in everything they do. ‘The time has come to prepare to shoulder responsibilities and meet challenges in life; there is no substitute for hard work,’ he reminded. Also exhorting the students Director of Higher Education Chubainla Jamir noted that Kohima College has become one among the best ‘in terms of particularly infrastructure.’ She advised the students to take advantage of the facilities to be trained to succeed in life. Jamir also advised the students to emulate the work culture of the forefathers. Naga students take everything very easy and fail to make full use of their potential, she said.
She expressed confidence that the college will continue to strive to provide all-round development of the students.
Earlier in the morning, the chief guest inaugurated the UGC-sponsored women’s hostel and the UGC-sponsored daycare centre within the college’s complex. The day’s highlights also included declaration of “Freshers’ King” and “Queen” and felicitation of Jesse Shijoh, who secured the top fourth position in the HSSLC examinations.
