Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MAY 30 (NPN): Minister for Higher Education & Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, on Saturday asserted that the future of Nagaland begins with transforming its education system, emphasizing that human resource development must take precedence over mere infrastructural expansion.
Addressing the inauguration of three PM-USHA projects at Dimapur Government College (DGC)– an Academic Building, Incubation Centre/Skill Hub and Girls’ Hostel– Along said, “If we want to talk about the future of Nagaland, it must begin with transforming education. Infrastructure is secondary. If the human resource is not in tune rightly then we will have a failed state.”
Highlighting rapid global changes driven by artificial intelligence, technological advancement and shifting geopolitical dynamics, Along said the world had moved far ahead while society often remained occupied with basic issues.
He stressed that education, from school to higher education, played a pivotal role in shaping both the state and the nation, adding that a literate, aware and hardworking population was the greatest asset any society could possess.
Calling for collective responsibility in development, Along maintained that progress could not be left solely to the government. Whether it was cleanliness, environmental protection or economic growth, he said every citizen had a role to play and urged people to move beyond dependency on the state and actively contribute towards building a better Nagaland.
On unemployment, Along questioned whether the entire burden could be placed on the government alone.
He pointed out that despite Nagaland being one of the highest government employment providers, unemployment among educated youth continued to remain a major concern. He therefore stressed the importance of skill-based and practical education capable of generating employment opportunities.
The minister also unveiled plans to transform DGC into a “Yuva Tourism Hub”, integrating tourism with education. He proposed the development of youth hostels, biodiversity parks, fitness centres and visitor-oriented facilities capable of generating revenue and opportunities.
“People should want to come to DGC not just for education, but as a vibrant hub. Tourism must generate revenue and opportunities,” he said while directing the college authorities to prepare a concept note for the proposed initiative.
Describing the inauguration as a momentous occasion, Along said the projects reflected the commitment of both the state and central governments towards improving educational infrastructure. He also highlighted the successful implementation of schemes such as RUSA and PM-USHA in Nagaland and remarked that educational infrastructure created under these programmes had been executed with quality and efficiency.
Commending engineers and contractors involved in the projects, Along said the quality of government construction had improved significantly and observed that the newly inaugurated facilities were better than many private establishments.
On the Skill Hub, he stressed that education should go beyond degrees and certificates. According to him, students must graduate with practical skills that make them employable and capable of contributing meaningfully to society. He added that such centres would also help shape the mindset of future leaders.
Along also appreciated the efforts of DGC alumni in maintaining cleanliness around the campus and appealed to neighbouring communities to cooperate in preserving the institution as a centre of excellence. He further acknowledged the support extended by chief minister and finance minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, towards the Higher Education Department.
“Ten per cent of the state share has been given robustly and we are thankful to his leadership,” he remarked.
The minister also cautioned against divisive tendencies such as tribalism, stating that unity and collective effort were essential for progress. “When we work together, the future is bright. But divisions destroy opportunities for growth,” he said.
Earlier, additional secretary and state project director PM-USHA, Sentiyanger Pongen, said the scheme had significantly improved government colleges in Nagaland and noted that four out of six new model colleges approved under the scheme nationwide were from the state.
Presenting the technical report, superintending engineer, PWD (Education Division), Er. Hokato Sema, informed that the Academic Building was constructed at a cost of Rs. 4.22 crore, while the Girls’ Hostel was built at an estimated cost of Rs. 6 crore. He added that the Skill Hub/Incubation Centre was also completed despite initial delays caused by land-related issues.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by associate professor and HoD, Education department DGC, Diethoseu Mephüo, while principal Dr. T. Tiakaba Jamir delivered the welcome address.
Short speeches were also delivered by ex-officio director of Higher Education, V. Lovitoly Sema; secretary, Higher & Technical Education, Sarita Yadav; and associate professor, DGC, A. Moamongla Aier.
A monolith unveiling programme was held earlier, during which the minister unveiled the commemorative monolith after a dedicatory prayer offered by associate professor Rebainla Ao.