Dimapur Government College marked a significant milestone in its developmental journey with the inauguration of three major infrastructure projects under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) scheme on May 30 at the college campus, Dimapur.
The newly inaugurated projects includes a modern Academic Building under the “Grants to Strengthen Colleges” component, an Incubation Centre/Skill Hub aimed at enhancing employability and entrepreneurship opportunities for students, and a Girls Hostel under the “Gender Inclusion and Equity Initiatives” component of PM-USHA.
Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, graced the occasion as the special guest and officially unveiled the commemorative monolith marking the inauguration of the projects. During his address, he emphasized the newly inaugurated facilities described as a significant milestone in the advancement of higher education in Nagaland. He noted that the Skill Hub is likely the first such dedicated infrastructure established in a government college in the state, he added.
He stressed that educational infrastructure alone was not enough and that the real challenge lay in developing capable and employable human resources. Education today is no longer just about reading and writing. It has to be holistic and transformational. “The future of Nagaland begins with transforming education and developing human resources,” he said.
He mentioned that the world was rapidly changing due to technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and evolving global economic and geopolitical dynamics. He urged educational institutions to prepare students for these realities by nurturing innovation, adaptability, and skills.
Highlighting the collective responsibility of society in building a better Nagaland, Along stated that issues such as cleanliness, environmental conservation, and development should not be left solely to the government but should involve active participation from every citizen.
He also spoke about unemployment in the state and underscored the importance of skill-based education. Referring to the newly inaugurated Skill Hub, he said students should graduate not only with academic degrees but also with practical skills that would make them employable and self-reliant.
Praising the quality of the new facilities, Along remarked that government infrastructure projects in Nagaland were increasingly matching and even surpassing private-sector standards, reflecting the state’s gradual transformation. The minister also lauded the commitment of DGC’s teachers and alumni, particularly their efforts in maintaining and beautifying the campus. He encouraged the college community to continue working together to make DGC an iconic institution of higher learning in the state.
Looking ahead, Along revealed plans to develop DGC into a youth tourism and educational hub. He proposed the creation of tourism-friendly infrastructure, including biodiversity parks, recreational facilities, gymnasiums, and accommodation spaces that could host youth delegates, tourists, and skill development participants from across the country.
He informed the gathering that a tourism-related project worth approximately ₹5–10 crore was being planned and encouraged the college administration to prepare a comprehensive concept proposal to facilitate its implementation.
Concluding his address, Along reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education and human resource development in Nagaland. He urged students, teachers, and citizens to work collectively towards building a progressive and prosperous state.
“The future of Nagaland lies in its people. If we can transform our human resources, we can transform our communities and our state,” he added.
Secretary, Higher Education Department, Sarita Yadav, said that the inauguration of the PM-USHA projects at Dimapur Government College marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen higher education and expand opportunities for the youth of Nagaland. Noting that it symbolized not only the opening of new infrastructure but also the collective commitment of the government towards improving educational facilities in the state.
She stated that these facilities would enhance the academic environment of Dimapur Government College while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, skill development, and student welfare.
Yadav further expressed optimism that more developmental projects would be initiated under the minister’s leadership and commended the agencies involved in implementing the projects for completing the works within the stipulated timeframe.
Congratulating Dimapur Government College on the successful completion of the projects, Yadav expressed confidence that the institution would continue to achieve greater success and excellence in the years ahead. She urged students and faculty to make the best use of the newly inaugurated facilities to further academic growth and development.
Ex- officio Director, Higher Education, V. Lovitoly Sema, NCS, stated that the Academic Building is expected to enhance teaching and learning by providing improved academic infrastructure, while the Incubation Centre and Skill Hub will promote entrepreneurship, innovation and employability among students.
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Emphasising that infrastructure alone does not define excellence, she called upon administrators, teachers, students and policymakers to work collectively in transforming institutions into centres of excellence and to utilise the new facilities responsibly for the advancement of education and society. She expressed confidence that the projects would usher in a new era of academic growth, innovation and inclusive progress for Dimapur Government College and the higher education sector in Nagaland.
State Project Director (PM-USHA), Sentiyanger Pongen, highlighted the positive impact of the PM-USHA scheme on higher education and stated that the centrally sponsored scheme, launched by the Ministry of Education to strengthen government colleges across the country, has played a key role in improving infrastructure and academic standards in the state’s institutions. He noted that government colleges in Nagaland have witnessed significant progress, resulting in increased student preference and admissions.
Emphasizing the importance of transparency, efficiency, and timely execution, he said PM-USHA projects are implemented in phases, with subsequent installments released only after proper utilization of funds and submission of utilization certificates. He commended Dimapur Government College for its proactive approach in implementing projects under the scheme.
Pongen urged college authorities, faculty members, and students to take collective responsibility for maintaining and monitoring the assets created under PM-USHA to ensure timely completion and effective utilization of projects.
He also revealed that Nagaland had secured approval for four of the six new model colleges sanctioned by the Ministry of Education, describing it as a significant achievement for the state.
Superintending Engineer, Education Division, NPWD, Hokato Sema, highlighted the successful completion of three major infrastructure projects at Dimapur Government College (DGC) under the PM-USHA scheme. He said the Academic Building, constructed at a cost of ₹4.22 crore, was completed within 13–14 months despite initial delays in site selection. The 1,478-square-metre building houses 13 classrooms and can accommodate between 780 and 910 students, depending on the seating arrangement. He also noted that the structure has been designed to allow future vertical expansion if required.
The Girls’ Hostel, built at a cost of ₹6 crore, is a four-storey facility comprising 46 rooms, including accommodation for the warden, along with a kitchen, dining hall and recreation room.
Sema further informed that the Incubation Centre/Skill Hub project faced initial delays due to land-related issues but was completed within a year after work commenced. The 743-square-metre facility consists of seven rooms spread across multiple floors.
Appreciating the contractors for completing the projects ahead of schedule and maintaining quality standards, Sema expressed gratitude to the department, contractors and all stakeholders involved in the successful execution of the projects.
The programme commenced with the unveiling of the monolith led by Dr. A. Sentiyula, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of English, followed by a dedicatory prayer offered by Rebaino Ao, Associate Professor of the college.
Following the unveiling ceremony, the formal programme began with the singing of the National Anthem.
The programme also featured a special musical presentation by Imliasen, BA 2nd Semester student, adding colour to the occasion. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Meripeni Ngully, Vice Principal of the college, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, officials, faculty members, students and guests for their contributions towards the successful implementation and inauguration of the projects.
