After a delay of nearly five years, the Rs 1.80-crore academic classroom upgradation project under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) 2.0 at Fazl Ali College (FAC), Mokokchung, was inaugurated on June 8 by Nagaland Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along.
The project is implemented by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, with the objective of strengthening the institution’s academic infrastructure and expanding classroom facilities for the students. The inauguration programme was held at the college campus in the presence of officials from the Higher Education Department, faculty members, district administration and other stakeholders. Following the formal inauguration of the building by the Minister, a dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev. Lima Lemtur, Pastor of FAC Union Church.
In his address, Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along expressed regret over the prolonged delay in the completion of the RUSA-funded academic classroom block, stating that a five-year delay was unacceptable and that educational institutions and students should not have to suffer due to administrative shortcomings. He acknowledged the efforts of the contractor, Imchatoshi & Sons Construction, for completing the project within a short period after taking up the work.
Describing the inauguration as a significant milestone, Along said the completion of the classroom block signifies the successful conclusion of all RUSA 2.0 infrastructure projects undertaken by the Department of Higher Education in Nagaland. He stated that Nagaland was among the first states in the country to complete its RUSA 2.0 projects across government colleges and congratulated the principals, contractors and stakeholders involved in the implementation process.
The Minister said the department’s focus had now shifted to projects under PM-USHA, including four new model colleges at Tseminyu, Niuland, Noklak and Shamator, as well as two colleges that have received in-principle approval at Tuli and Chümoukedima. He stressed the need to complete these projects within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining quality standards.
Along also indicated that Fazl Ali College could benefit from future PM-USHA initiatives and mentioned that the institution was expected to receive a girls’ hostel under the upcoming phase of the programme.
Acknowledging the cooperation of local landowners, he thanked them for supporting the expansion and development of the college, stating that their contribution would benefit not only the local community but students from different communities studying at the institution.
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Highlighting the role of the Government of India in strengthening higher education infrastructure, Along expressed appreciation to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan for extending support to Nagaland through RUSA and PM-USHA. He noted that despite eligibility constraints, the state had secured approval for four model colleges under PM-USHA, which he described as a significant achievement for Nagaland and the Northeast region.
He also credited Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio for ensuring that the state’s share of funding for higher education projects was consistently provided despite financial limitations, enabling the successful implementation of centrally sponsored schemes in the sector.
Emphasising the importance of education in shaping the future of the state, Along said that the quality of Nagaland’s human resources would determine its progress in areas such as entrepreneurship, research, innovation and economic development. He called upon students, teachers, policymakers and communities to work collectively towards building a more capable and competitive society.
Referring to the legacy of Fazl Ali College, he said the institution had contributed significantly to the state over several decades through the efforts of its former principals, faculty members and alumni. He urged the college community to continue transforming itself into a centre of excellence that produces young men and women capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
The Minister also commended the college administration, led by Principal Dr. I. Wati Imchen, and the heads of departments for their efforts in improving academic facilities and laboratories despite limited resources. He said the improvements show the institution’s commitment to providing quality education and creating a better learning environment for students.
Calling for a culture of informed decision making and collective responsibility, Along said society must prioritise knowledge and constructive engagement over misinformation and division. He urged all stakeholders to work together in pursuit of educational advancement and societal transformation.
Presenting the technical report, Engineer Vikhebu Yeptho of the Education Division, Public Works Department (Housing), Kohima, stated that the academic classroom block at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, was constructed at a total cost of Rs 1.80 crore under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) 2.0, with funding support from the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and the Government of Nagaland. The project, titled “Upgradation of Academic Classroom at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung,” was implemented by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, and completed within a period of 24 months.
Yeptho said the project was undertaken to augment the college’s academic infrastructure by adding new classroom facilities. The work was executed by Imchatoshi & Sons Construction.
He informed that the G+1 building has a total built-up area of 353.40 square metres. Each floor comprises two classrooms and a toilet block, providing a total of four classrooms. The facility can accommodate approximately 120 to 180 students, with each classroom having a seating capacity of 30 to 45 students.
He further stated that the building is a reinforced concrete structure comprising an RCC open foundation, RCC beam and column-framed structure, RCC slab, and brick walls.
According to the technical report, the entire civil work was completed at an expenditure of ₹1.80 crore, with no variation between the original sanctioned cost and the final project cost.
Yeptho also acknowledged the support of Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, as well as the Higher Education Department, the contractor, and the college authorities for their contributions towards the successful completion of the project.
Sentiyanger Pongen, Additional Secretary, Higher Education and State Project Director, PM-USHA, delivered a brief speech while Dr I Wati Imchen, Principal of Fazl Ali College, delivered the welcome address.
