Advisor for School Education and State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome on Monday visited the Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Wokha to assess the ongoing infrastructural improvements being implemented as part of the Nagaland Education Project (NEP)- Lighthouse- Nagaland Enhancing Classroom Teaching and Resources (NECTAR) initiative.
Prior to his field inspection, a meeting was convened at the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office in Wokha where the district administrative head Vineet Kumar highlighted the status of infrastructure in government schools and the progress of the Lighthouse school complex construction under the Nagaland Education Project (NEP)- Lighthouse (NECTAR).
Addressing the gathering, Yhome highlighted the importance of the initiative and urged all stakeholders to actively participate in reviving and developing government schools, with particular attention to GHSS Wokha, which is currently undergoing extensive infrastructure upgrades. Expressing concern over the perceived decline in the stature of government institutions, the legislator noted that these schools have historically nurtured numerous bureaucrats and eminent personalities.
One of the pressing matters that was discussed was the issue of land encroachment at GHSS Wokha. While landowners had initially donated 11.85 acres for the institution, recent reports indicate that only 4.15 acres remain under school possession. Advisor Yhome appealed to civil society organisations and community stakeholders to protect the remaining land, stressing its value to future generations. He asserted his commitment to support legal measures if necessary to reclaim encroached land and safeguard public assets.
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During the site inspection of the NEP Lighthouse school complex, it was revealed that the hostel foundation had been laid within the school’s playground. Towards this, Yhome underscored the essential role of recreational spaces in students’ holistic development, and further instructed authorities to relocate the hostel foundation. He recommended the demolition of defunct structures and the segregation of hostel facilities for male and female students.
Pointing to Wokha’s strategic central location and its rich historical context, the legislator advocated for its development as a hub for major educational initiatives. He emphasised that investing in education infrastructure today is a crucial step towards shaping a stronger society tomorrow.
Earlier during the meeting, advisor to the chief minister, Dr. Chumben Murry urged landowners to settle disputes at the earliest, ensuring that the project implementation proceeds without hindrance.
Deputy project director NEP – NECTAR Avelü Ruho provided an overview of the project’s inception and implementation, explaining the strategic vision and expected outcomes.
DC Wokha reaffirmed the commitment to protecting government land in the district, ensuring smooth execution of the project without disruptions.
Meanwhile, Lotha Students’ Union president Lirhonthung Lotha welcomed the legal measures taken by the government and assured support in all steps undertaken for the project. He urged contractors to adhere to quality standards and proper specifications in construction and called upon landowners to avoid complications that could hinder progress.
Chairman of Lotha Hoho also pledged full support and cooperation, committing to assisting in the successful execution of the initiative.
Landowners who had previously donated land to the government provided details regarding the history of land acquisition and concerns associated with the project’s implementation, which further shed light on critical issues affecting the construction process.
The meeting was attended by members of the District Committee for Lighthouse School Complex (DCLSC), representatives of Lotha Hoho, Lotha Eloe Hoho, the Lotha Students’ Union, local town councillors, principal GHSS Wokha, chairman Wokha Village Council, and original land donors.
