Zunheboto DPDB proposes ‘Viksit Zunheboto’

Zunheboto District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) at its monthly meeting held on June 13, discussed various development initiatives, including the ambitious “Viksit Zunheboto” agenda, which is set for a formal presentation in the next meeting.
Acknowledging that the vision for a “Viksit Bharat” is inseparable from the development of “Viksit Nagaland,” the board reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional progress through improvements in education, infrastructure, and sustainability. According to a DIPR report, all departments have been urged to prepare necessary resources for the upcoming discussions.
The meeting, chaired by Deputy Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) and DPDB chairman S. Toiho Yeptho, was held at the newly renovated Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall. Equipped with modern sound systems and projectors, the upgraded facility was praised by Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj, who credited the leadership’s efforts and extended special appreciation to DPO (Planning) David Sema for his contributions.
A key highlight of the session was the presentation by vice principal of Zunheboto Government College, Jekugha Sema, who detailed the institution’s history and ongoing challenges. He noted that the college’s IGNOU Study Centre faces closure due to low enrollment, with fewer than 100 students currently registered. However, with additional admissions expected into the third and fifth semesters following the declaration of results, enrollment could increase significantly, potentially exceeding 400 students, Jekugha said.
The college has also sought infrastructural support, including smart boards, computers, fire extinguishers, and a dedicated power transformer. Additionally, efforts are underway to introduce B.Ed. courses and a science stream.
Concerns over low enrollment in the district’s science stream were raised, with Senior Principal of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Zunheboto, highlighting student migration to other districts for science education. Chairman Yeptho emphasized the need to encourage students to pursue science education within Zunheboto and suggested inviting principals of private higher secondary schools to address enrollment challenges.
Dr. Sukhato A. Sema, MLA who also attended the meeting, reinforced the focus on education, healthcare, and economic development. He highlighted the success of an educational trust in his constituency that offers free admission to students from classes 8 to 10, resulting in increased enrollment. To address electricity shortages at Zunheboto Government College, he suggested adopting solar power and called for proposals for a dedicated transformer system.
The DPDB deliberated on the REDD+ Project, a long-term carbon credit initiative under the UNFCCC aimed at promoting forest conservation and economic sustainability. With 75 ongoing projects in Nagaland, members underscored the need to expand conservation efforts, particularly in heavily forested areas like Aghunato.
Discussions also covered health infrastructure, with a proposal to establish a College of Nursing at Zunheboto District Hospital ahead of an expected Union Minister’s visit.
The meeting reinforced strict attendance policies, warning that absentee Heads of Departments (HODs) would not be tolerated except in cases of documented medical emergencies.