NTC appeals for early completion of KSC girls’ hostel

DIMAPUR, JUN 26 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has expressed concern over the prolonged delay in the construction of the 100-bedded girls’ hostel at Kohima Science College (Autonomous) Jotsoma and urged the state government and all stakeholders to expedite the project in the interest of students.
In an appeal to the state government, NTC president C Pankathung Lotha and general secretary C Onen Walling said the council was “deeply disturbed” that the project had remained unattended for a long time despite repeated requests, reminders and representations. The council termed as “unfortunate” the careless attitude of concerned authorities towards the project.
Highlighting the challenges faced by Naga students pursuing higher education outside the state, NTC said many families were forced to take loans or sell property to finance their children’s studies.
It further claimed that students often faced discrimination, harassment and “unfriendly social environment” adversely affecting their academic pursuits and well-being. The council also questioned the delay despite the project reportedly being funded entirely through external sources and not from the state budget.
It alleged that the state’s “percentage cut” system in government projects had contributed to delays, though it said only the government and executing agencies could clarify the reasons behind the project’s slow progress.
NTC maintained that educational infrastructure projects should not be viewed as commercial ventures but as investments in the welfare and future of students. It urged the construction company, landowners and the state government to make every effort to complete the hostel without further delay.
Appealing for quality execution of the project, the council said the hostel would enable more students to pursue higher education within the state and help nurture responsible and resourceful citizens.
The council also stated that if the issue remained unresolved, the student community would be justified in resorting to peaceful and democratic protests to draw the attention of the state government and other authorities responsible for implementing the project.
On June 19 last, ANCSU observed a statewide “Black ” protest, marking the first phase of its agitation against the state government over the delay in constructing girls’ hostel at KSC.