Zisaji Presidency College (ZPC), the lone college in Kiphire district, is struggling with poor road connectivity. The college established in 1997 was recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Nagaland University. Current, the college has around 223 students.
Some of the senior staff of the college told Nagaland Post that the road leading to the college was badly in need of repair. It was learnt that due to deplorable road condition, light motor vehicles were unable to navigate and college students had to walk to college during rainy season.
They expressed concern that with the onset of monsoon season the condition of the road would worsen and cause inconvenience to both students and staff.
It was informed that the college had on many occasions submitted proposal for the construction of a new road, but no progress has been made so far. The present road was constructed solely for the purpose of building the college back in 2016, they said.
It may be mentioned that the college is 3km away from Kiphire town. Although the college has two buses, but poor road conditions sometimes make it difficult for the bus to reach the campus compelling the students and teachers to walk.
The department provided two buses for the convenience of the students, but due to limited resources, there is only one official bus driver and conductor. The students have taken the initiative to manage the other bus on their own, they said.
Further, it was informed that the boys’ hostel building was inaugurated, but remained non-operational due to the lack of a warden and MTS. Besides, the girls’ hostel also remain incomplete putting financial strain on students who cannot afford to continue living in rented accommodations.
Recently, the United Sangtam Students Conference (USSC) wrote a letter to the advisor urban development and municipal affairs and highlighted the deteriorating condition of the road.
It appealed for blacktopping the college road to ensure the safety of the students and uninterrupted access to the college.
On February 19, 2024, the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) Kiphire led by board chairman C. Kipili Sangtam, presented a proposal to the government for the introduction of a science stream. The initiative aims to promote and encourage students’ interest in science and equip them with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in that field.