NPF Zbto flags poor infrastructure at DIET Centre

NPF Zunheboto 35 Assembly Constituency has alleged acute lack of basic infrastructure and essential facilities at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Centre, Zunheboto.
During a visit to the centre on February 10, office bearers of NPF 35 A/C observed several shortcomings, including inadequate electricity and water connectivity. They also noted that the ceiling of the administrative building was in poor condition, with rainwater reportedly leaking into rooms during rainfall.
According to DIET staff, the institute has a sanctioned capacity of 50 students for its two-year pre-service teacher training course. However, enrolment has steadily declined, with only nine students enrolled in the current academic session compared to 20 in the previous year. The next session is scheduled to commence in August.
Although the centre has separate hostels for boys and girls, no students are currently residing there due to the absence of electricity, water supply, and basic amenities. The lack of appointed wardens was cited as a major concern. Hostel furniture is presently being used in the institute’s library, which has limited resources and was reportedly set up through staff contributions.
The staff further informed that the institute shifted to its newly constructed building only last year after nearly 12 years of prolonged construction. Prior to this, the DIET Centre operated from rented premises. Despite relocation, the centre continues to face serious operational challenges.
Students from distant areas reportedly face transportation difficulties, as commercial vehicles do not operate regularly in the area. The institute is located away from town, with the approach road underdeveloped. The use of the same access road by nearby residents was also raised as a security concern.
At present, the centre relies mainly on solar power. While an electricity connection exists, it was stated to be inadequate for the institute’s requirements, severely affecting daily functioning. The DIET Centre is also facing manpower shortages, with only 13–14 faculty members including the Principal and Vice Principal, along with over 20 non-teaching staff. One staff quarter building is currently occupied by a single staff member.
Meanwhile, two batches under the Hindi group are scheduled to commence on February 17 as part of the ongoing two-year pre-service teacher training programme.
The DIET Centre in Zunheboto was initiated in 2012 by late MLA K.C. Nihoshe. Construction remained stalled for several years before being revived in 2021–2022 under K.T. Sukhalu, then advisor for School Education and SCERT. Although the building is now nearing completion, the institute continues to struggle due to lack of essential utilities such as electricity and water, without which effective teacher training cannot be conducted.