The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) held a meeting with the Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University HQ Lumami on February 3, discussing the concerns and grievances confronting the students’ community.
The Union submitted a representation for reconsideration of revised fee structure and establishment of facilitation centres.
- Reconsideration of the Revised Fee Structure for College Affiliation
With the Nagaland University, through its notification NU-CDC/Gen/-34/2024-5159 dated 21/01/2025, drastically revising the fee structure for college affiliation, the ANCSU acknowledged the need for a sustainable funding model for the university, while also also highlighting concern on the financial strain placed on students and their families with the sudden fee hike.
“A vast majority of students in Nagaland come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with their parents primarily engaged in subsistence farming and other low-income occupations. Many families struggle to support their children’s education under the current fee structure, and an abrupt and excessive hike in fees will only exacerbate their hardships. The consequences of this decision could be dire, as it may discourage deserving students from continuing their higher education due to financial constraints. This, in turn, could lead to an increase in dropout rates, thus negatively impacting the overall educational landscape of the state,” stated the Union In the representation.
While acknowledging that a university requires adequate financial resources to function efficiently, the ANCSU also pointed out that it is equally important to ensure that education remains accessible and inclusive.
“Any drastic policy change, such as a significant increase in affiliation fees, should be implemented in a phased manner after due consultation with stakeholders, including student representatives, college administrators, and parents. This will allow institutions and students to prepare for the financial implications without undue hardship,” it stated.
In light of these concerns, the Union earnestly appealed to the University to reconsider the revised fee structure and explore alternative measures for resource mobilization that do not disproportionately affect students. “Failure to address this issue could have serious repercussions, and Nagaland University would bear the responsibility for any negative impact on students’ educational pursuits,” it cautioned.
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- Proposal for NU Facilitation Centres at Meriema and Medziphema Campuses:
Another critical concern that has been persistently raised by college authorities and students, according to the Union, is the logistical difficulty of traveling to Lumami for official documentation and administrative work.
“Many colleges face considerable inconvenience in dispatching and receiving official files and documents due to the significant travel distance, which adds to their financial burden and operational inefficiencies. Students also face similar hardships when dealing with academic and administrative processes at the university headquarters,” highlighted the ANCSU.
To address this longstanding issue, the Union proposed the establishment of Facilitation Centres at NU Meriema Campus (Kohima) and Medziphema Campus. It recommended that these centres can serve as official extension offices to handle submissions, processing, and distribution of academic and administrative documents. “Their establishment would significantly reduce logistical difficulties for colleges and students, ensuring a smoother and more efficient system,” stated the ANCSU.
The Union also suggested the need for universities to adopt modern, student-friendly solutions. It, therefore, urged the university to introduce an online payment system for fees and transactions related to college affiliation, student records, and other administrative procedures.
“If complete digitization is not immediately feasible, the proposed facilitation centres should be authorized to handle financial transactions on behalf of the university, allowing students and institutions to conduct necessary transactions without the burden of traveling to Lumami,” added the Union.
It further noted the concerns outlined directly impact the accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity of higher education in Nagaland.
The Union requested the University’s urgent and empathetic consideration of these issues and sought assurance for necessary action at the earliest.
“We remain hopeful that Nagaland University will act in the best interest of its students and affiliated institutions by reconsidering the revised fee structure and approving the establishment of facilitation centres. We look forward to your positive response to resolve these matters effectively,” it expressed.
