Says state gets highest number of PM-USHA college approvals in NE
MOKOKCHUNG, JUN 8 (NPN): Minister for higher education and tourism Temjen Imna Along said on Monday Nagaland has successfully completed all projects sanctioned under RUSA 2.0 and secured approval for four new colleges under PM-USHA—the highest for any northeastern state.
Addressing the inaugural programme of a classroom upgradation project under RUSA 2.0 at Fazl Ali College (FAC) here, Along described the achievement as a milestone for the higher education department and said Nagaland was among the first states in the country to complete all RUSA-II projects without major issues. He said every college that received RUSA 2.0 funding had successfully completed its projects, enabling the department to “proudly showcase” its accomplishments.
Congratulating government colleges, principals and contractors, the minister credited their collective efforts for the successful implementation of the centrally sponsored scheme.
Highlighting further gains under PM-USHA, the minister said Nagaland had received approval for six colleges, including sanction for four new model colleges at Tseminyu, Niuland, Noklak and Shamator, while two more colleges at Tuli and Chümoukedima had received in-principle approval.
Claiming it as a record for the North East region, Along said no other North Eastern state had secured even two college sanctions under the scheme.
He further noted that Nagaland had also obtained quality-improvement initiatives for three districts, compared to one district in Meghalaya.
The minister expressed gratitude to the Union Ministry of Education, led by Dharmendra Pradhan, for extending support to Nagaland despite the state’s limitations under standard eligibility criteria.
He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, particularly for ensuring the state’s 10% share in higher education projects.
Calling RUSA and PM-USHA “transformative initiatives”, Along said the projects would strengthen educational infrastructure and create opportunities for future generations.
He also acknowledged the cooperation of landowners around Fazl Ali College and lauded FAC principal Dr. I. Wati Imchen for the institution’s ongoing transformation.
The minister urged the educators and students to remain committed to excellence. He said educational institutions must serve as centres of transformation capable of producing future leaders and contributors to society. He reminded teachers of their responsibility in shaping young minds and encouraged them not to allow external challenges to affect their commitment to education.
Earlier in the programme, the welcome address was delivered by PAC principal Dr. I. Wati Imchen, while a short speech was delivered by additional secretary higher education & PM USHA state project director Sentiyanger Pongen. Also, technical report was presented by PWD (H) education division Vikhebu Yeptho.