The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has raised serious concerns over the allocation, utilisation and disbursement of Grant-in-Aid (GIA) under the Higher Education Department, particularly the funds meant for eligible private and theological colleges and other organisations engaged in student welfare activities.
According to ANCSU, the State Government makes an annual provision of ₹2.65 crore under the GIA scheme. However, the Union claimed that the actual amount reaching eligible institutions has remained substantially lower than the total provision.
During the 2025–26 financial year, ANCSU stated that only ₹1,21,500 was disbursed to colleges and other eligible institutions under the category-wise allocation, accounting for approximately 45 per cent of the total provision. The Union said the remaining around 54 per cent was retained by the department for its activities and other purposes.
While acknowledging and appreciating the Government’s continued financial assistance to private and theological colleges and other eligible organisations, ANCSU said the pattern of disbursement was a matter of concern.
In a statement issued by Kivika Yeptho, President, and Sotilo Tep, General Secretary, ANCSU, the Union pointed out that the fundamental purpose of Grant-in-Aid is to provide financial assistance to eligible institutions and organisations to strengthen higher education, institutional development and student welfare.
“When a substantial portion of more than 54% of the sanctioned provision is retained while only about 45% reaches the intended institutions, the very objective for which such financial assistance is provided is considerably undermined,” it stated.
ANCSU further stated that Grant-in-Aid remains the only source of financial assistance for private and theological colleges for institutional development. It highlighted the role played by these institutions in expanding access to higher education across Nagaland, particularly in areas where government institutions remain limited.
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According to the Union, the colleges serve thousands of students while operating amid financial and infrastructural constraints and contribute significantly to human resource development in the State.
The ANCSU has therefore appealed to the Higher Education Department to undertake a comprehensive review of the GIA system, particularly with regard to its allocation, retention and disbursement to private and theological colleges.
It urged the department to ensure that the available GIA provision is utilised transparently, judiciously and primarily for its intended purpose, rather than allowing a substantial portion to remain outside the direct benefit of eligible institutions and students.
The Union maintained that Grant-in-Aid should translate into tangible benefits in the education sector and student welfare. It said the financial assistance should enable institutions to strengthen classrooms, laboratories, libraries, digital facilities, learning resources and student-support systems, among other areas.
ANCSU stresed that funds earmarked for the purpose should reach the institutions and organisations for which they are intended.
The Union described stronger financial support for private and theological colleges and other eligible organisations as not merely an institutional requirement but an investment in the future of higher education in Nagaland and its student community.
ANCSU expressed hope that the Government would respond positively to its concerns and take necessary corrective measures in the larger interest of students and the advancement of higher education in the State.
