Zunheboto DPDB highlights college faculty shortage

District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting for the month of August was held on August 7 at the DC’s conference hall, Zunheboto, under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner and DPDB vice chairman, Dharam Raj.
A DIPR report informed that at the meeting, proposal for registration of the Suruhuto Area Sports Association (SASA) under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 was approved and forwarded for necessary procedures.
The board also discussed a proposal from Zunheboto Government College to introduce new academic programmes, including a Sociology Department, Education Honours, Integrated B.Ed. course, and a Science stream. College Principal Dr R. Bendangtemjen emphasized the need for teacher appointments prior to launching the new programmes, stating that student enrollment would follow once faculty positions were filled. He also appealed for departmental support to facilitate the mandatory 60-hour internship for fifth-semester students under the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP).
Highlighting infrastructure challenges, Dr Bendangtemjen drew attention to the deteriorating condition of the college road, which he said resembled ponds, posing serious difficulties for students and staff.
Sumi Hoho president Dr Vihuto Asumi expressed concern over the frequent attachment and transfer of faculty members from Zunheboto Government College to other institutions, weakening the district’s only government arts college. He noted that a formal representation on the issue had been submitted to the concerned department on May 16, but no action had been taken. Dr Vihuto also highlighted the socioeconomic hardships faced by students, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds and cannot afford to pursue education elsewhere. He revealed that three faculty members—two from the History department and one from Education—had already been transferred, which he described as deeply concerning. Responding to the concerns, Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj assured the board that steps would be taken to address the issue. He stressed the need to end the practice of faculty attachment and focus on inducting qualified teachers through merit-based appointments.
The meeting also discussed departmental responsibilities for the upcoming 79th Independence Day celebrations. A PowerPoint presentation was delivered by the Labour Department, Zunheboto, highlighting various schemes and activities, including the e-Shram initiative for building and construction workers, scholarships for children, medical assistance, and beneficiary verification.