More student unions back KPA demands
Even as the All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) staged sit-in protest for the second consecutive day outside the Directorate of Technical Education and later marched to Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Friday, various student organisations have also come out in full support of the demands.
SKK has been demanding upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) into a full-fledged engineering college, highlighting the lack of technical education institutions in Nagaland.
At the protest rally, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Medovi Rhi called the protest “timely and appropriate”, stating that the issue was not just about the Sumi community or SKK but concerned all Nagas.
He pointed out the educational disparity, noting that Nagaland lacks an engineering college, while neighboring states have multiple institutions. All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) president Tenyinsilo Bukh recalled that the state cabinet had approved KPA’s upgrade in 2007, but no progress had been made in 18 years.
ANCSU had repeatedly appealed to the government, including a fresh appeal on May 28, 2024, urging immediate action. He warned of further protests if the government failed to respond.
Angami Students’ Union (ASU) president David Khriesamhalie Mere and Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) president Pfhulo Sara reiterated solidarity with SKK, criticizing the government’s failure to implement its 2007 decision. Sara emphasized that the delay had forced many Naga students to study outside the state, disadvantaging underprivileged students.
Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) president Lirhon E. Kithan also voiced strong support, calling for unity and collective action.
NSF: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has urged Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to take immediate action in implementing the state cabinet’s 2007 decision to upgrade Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) into a full-fledged engineering college.
In a representation, NSF president Medovi Rhi and assistant general secretary Kenilo Kent emphasized that KPA, established in 1972, has played a crucial role in producing skilled professionals who have contributed significantly to Nagaland’s development across government, private, and allied sectors. However, despite its legacy and potential, KPA remains limited to diploma-level education, depriving Naga students of technical education opportunities within the state.
The lack of an engineering college has forced thousands of Naga students to seek admission outside Nagaland, creating financial strain on families, contributing to brain drain, and increasing dependency on external institutions.
NSF reminded the government that the Nagaland cabinet had approved the introduction of a Civil Engineering Degree Course at KPA on December 17, 2007, and passed a resolution for its upgradation to a degree-granting engineering college. However, despite the approval, no action has been taken for over 16 years.
Further, NSF pointed out that under All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) guidelines, polytechnic institutions operational for at least five years are eligible for upgradation to an engineering college. With over five decades of history, KPA already meets all AICTE criteria, and its existing infrastructure and faculty provide a strong foundation for the transition with minimal additional investment.
NSF has demanded urgent action from the Chief Minister to implement the long-overdue upgrade without further delay.
WSSU: Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU) has strongly urged the Nagaland government to take immediate action in upgrading Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) into a full-fledged engineering college, fulfilling a long-overdue commitment.
Established in 1972, KPA has played a key role in technical education, producing skilled professionals in various fields. The union noted that KPA received National Board of Accreditation (NBA) approval in 2021 for its Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical & Electronics Engineering courses under the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
The Nagaland cabinet had approved KPA’s upgradation on December 17, 2007, yet no action has been taken for nearly two decades. WSSU stressed that with rising demand for quality technical education, this move is more urgent than ever.
The union appealed to the chief minister and the state government to implement the 2007 decision without further delay.
CNSA: Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) has extended full support to the All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) in their indefinite protest demanding the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) into a government engineering college.
In a statement, CNSA president R. Sunep Pongen and general secretary Anoka H. Zhimo emphasized that SKK’s protest highlights the government’s failure to implement the 2007 Cabinet resolution. They noted that Nagaland’s lack of an engineering college has forced students to seek education outside the state, creating financial and emotional burdens for families.
CNSA stressed that upgrading KPA is not just a regional issue but a state-wide necessity. They urged the Nagaland government to act swiftly, reaffirming their steadfast support for SKK’s cause.