The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) today appealed the Government of Nagaland to prioritize the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) to a Full-Fledged Engineering College. Regarding the neglect and delay of the upgradation of KPA as a violation of students’ right to education, limiting their potential and future prospects, the ANCSU implored the government to expedite the necessary processes.
In a representation to the Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland, the acknowledged the state government’s commitment to skill-oriented education, demonstrated by the establishment of nine government polytechnic institutes across Nagaland.
“These institutes offer three-year diploma programs in various fields under the Department of Technical Education. This initiative has significantly enhanced technical education in the state. However, it is disheartening to observe the absence of degree-awarding institutions, particularly engineering colleges, over the past several years,” stated the ANCSU.
The Department of Technical Education was inaugurated in 1972 with the establishment of Nagaland Polytechnic at Atoizu in Zunheboto, now known as Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu. According to the Union, the institution has played a pivotal role in providing technical education in Nagaland. In a notable development, the state cabinet approved the introduction of a civil engineering degree course at KPA on December 17, 2007. Further, in 2021, KPA received accreditation from the National Board of Accreditation for three courses: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electronics Engineering, valid for three years.
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This accreditation was a significant milestone, stated ANCSU, and raised hopes among students and educators alike for the establishment of a full-fledged engineering college in Nagaland.
“However, despite these promising developments, the state government’s continued inaction on this matter is a grave concern. The delay in upgrading KPA to an engineering college deprives students of essential educational opportunities and hinders the state progress in technical education. This neglect can be seen as a violation of students’ right to education, limiting their potential and future prospects,” asserted the Union.
Therefore, it earnestly requested the government to prioritize this critical issue and expedite the necessary processes to upgrade Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu to a full-fledged engineering college. “Swift action on this matter will not only fulfil a longstanding promise but also significantly benefit the educational landscape of Nagaland,” maintained ANCSU.
