DIMAPUR: Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed academic building of Zunheboto Government College at the college campus. The project was undertaken under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) scheme, funded by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering as special guest, Along called upon the younger generation to be agents of transformation by adopting new approaches to learning and moving beyond past mindsets. He reminded students, that a degree alone cannot solve the State’s human resource challenges. He stressed that patience, purpose and application of knowledge are essential, cautioning against complacency among the educated and urging citizens to move from complaint to constructive action.
Along described the new infrastructure as a major milestone for the college and its student community. He commended the Directorate of Higher Education and the engineering wing for their dedication and quality workmanship, noting the marked transformation in facilities since his last visit in 2018. “Transformation does not happen overnight,” he said. “It requires commitment, resilience and consistent practice within the system.” He appealed to public leaders, NGOs, civil society and church leaders to give the government time and space to implement sustained changes aimed at deep transformation rather than superficial reform. He also acknowledged the leadership of chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio for empowering his office to pursue improvements in higher education across the State.
The Minister urged principals and faculty to model progressive attitudes so that students imbibe values contributing to societal advancement. He emphasized that education is more than a degree or postgraduate title, but a mindset and a way of contributing to society. He further encouraged the college to prioritize exposure to Nagaland’s districts and promote intra-state and inter-tribal understanding. On behalf of the Chief Minister and the Ministry of Education, he assured continued support for infrastructure development and announced plans to establish a Sociology department and Science stream at Zunheboto Government College, along with creation of posts to support these programmes. Along also encouraged church leaders and community groups to initiate free coaching and tuition programmes, noting that the government is willing to support such initiatives through departmental grants-in-aid. Stressing the need for more professionals in engineering, medicine and law, he urged communities to nurture and send skilled youth to contribute to nation building.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. R. Bendangtemjen, Principal of Zunheboto Government College, described the occasion as a remarkable day for the institution, noting that the new academic building has arrived at a crucial time with the introduction of the fourth-year undergraduate programme and Honours in Education. He highlighted pressing institutional needs including fencing for the girls’ hostel, an auditorium, administrative block, staff quarters, and the introduction of Sociology, Sümi studies and a Skill Hub.
Presenting the technical report, Er. Nuhuta Tetseo, SDO, PWD (Housing), Education Division, informed that the project was sanctioned at Rs. 4 crore and completed ahead of schedule. The G+2 block comprises six classrooms and three toilet blocks with water supply facilities, accommodating up to 450 students, with scope for future expansion. The programme was chaired by Assistant Professor Nisana T. Zhimo, Department of Political Science, with dedicatory prayer offered by Rev. Inakhu Sumi, pastor, Zunheboto Town Sumi Baptist Church. Students presented a cultural number, while Sentiyanger Pongen, additional secretary and SPD, PM-USHA, highlighted the significance of the scheme. The vote of thanks was delivered by Newtoli K. Yeptho, Coordinator PM-USHA and Associate Professor, History.
