Zunheboto District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting for the month of June was held on June 13, under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker, NLA and DPDB Chairman, S. Toiho Yeptho, at DC’s conference hall, Zunheboto.
While presiding over the sitting, Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto, Dharam Raj (IAS) mentioned that, with the initiative of the board chairman, DC’s conference hall had received a much required and awaited facelift, equipped with state-of-the-art sound system, projectors, stationeries etc. He further lauded the efforts of the DPO (Planning) David Sema for his efficient effort in equipping the hall.
Earlier, the meeting began with traditional introduction of new members to the board and followed over with the review of the previous meeting minutes by Deputy Commissioner.
The board also witnessed Power Point presentation from Zunheboto Govt College, through V/Principal, Jekugha Sema, who highlighted the history of the college and said that, the institution was initially established by the Sumi Hoho and later taken over by the Government of Nagaland. He also highlighted the board on the challenges faced by the IGNOU Study Centre in the district, especially the risk of closure due to low student enrollment with less than 100 enrolled.
He further highlighted that the college currently has 208 enrolled students in 1st Semester, with many more expected to be admitted into the third and fifth semesters after the declaration of results—potentially increasing the student strength to over 400. The college hosts more than 39 student clubs and associations and is seeking infrastructural development support, including two smart boards, 10 computer sets, fire extinguishers for all college buildings, and a dedicated power transformer.
He further emphasized on the importance of introducing B.Ed. courses under the current FYUGP curriculum, as well as the inclusion of a science stream.
Furthermore, in response, the DPDB urged the college to submit proposals to the Power Department for a separate transformer and to the Department of Higher Education for the introduction of the B.Ed. program.
Senior Principal, GHSS, Zunheboto Kughazhe Swu, while speaking on low enrollment of students in the lone institutions offering Science Stream in the district—raised concerns about low student enrollment, which forces students to migrate to other districts to pursue science education.
Toiho S. Yeptho expressed concern over the science stream in Zunheboto. “We, as responsible officers, should encourage our children to pursue science education within our district,” he said. Citing the example of Kohima institutions like Jotsoma, which receive thousands of applications, he said, “We need to reflect on why the same is not happening in Zunheboto.” He proposed inviting principals of all private higher secondary schools in the district to future meetings to discuss the matter.
He emphasized the need for corrective measures, stating, “We should not deprive our children of quality education. We need to build their confidence to seek admission here.” He also pointed out that while Mokokchung has three government colleges and three private college institutions, Zunheboto has only one government college, which is still struggling. “We must earn the trust of the people. Education is the backbone of society,” he added.
Toiho and the Deputy Commissioner also stressed the importance of attendance at the next DPDB meetings, warning that absentee Heads of Departments (HODs) would not be tolerated. In case of medical emergencies, proper written applications must be submitted to the DC’s office.
Dr. Sukhato A. Sema, MLA, 13 AC, Pughoboto, while addressing the board underscored the importance of collective responsibility. He shared that his constituency has initiated an educational trust that currently offers free admission to students in classes 8, 9, and 10 in the institutions, leading to increased in enrollment.
He also addressed the issue of inadequate power supply at Zunheboto Government College and suggested adopting clean energy sources like solar power, which is being promoted by the Nagaland Power Department. He encouraged the college to submit proposals for a dedicated transformer system.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Regarding education, he noted that the lack of substitute teachers—particularly when female staff takes maternity leave, it hinders the learning process. He suggested that the education trust could step in to support temporary teaching arrangements during such periods. “If we have a science stream faculty, students will definitely enroll,” he said. Dr. Sukhato emphasized three key areas for district to progress: quality education, healthcare, and economic development.
DC Dharam Raj added that science is not limited to biology or chemistry but includes disciplines like mathematics and English, making it a foundational area of education.
The meeting also highlighted the REDD+ Project, a 50-year carbon credit initiative under the UNFCCC aimed at boosting the economy while promoting forest conservation, sustainability, and clean energy. The project does not require personal investment and allows participants to exit at any time without penalty. Nagaland currently hosts 75 individual projects, a significant milestone for the state.
Dr. Sukhato emphasized that all 60 constituencies should actively promote forest conservation in their own constituency. He suggested that locations like Aghunato, with their dense forest cover, could serve as ideal sites for further expansion of the project.
He also proposed that the Zunheboto District Hospital to submit a formal proposal to establish a College of Nursing, as a Union Minister is expected to visit the district soon.
In culmination, board members deliberated on the agenda of ‘Viksit Nagaland’ subsequent of the cabinet meeting held at Kohima on ‘Viksit Bharat’ accepting that ‘Viksit Bharat’ isn’t possible without ‘Viksit Nagaland’. Consequently, the district administration proposed a visionary agenda of ‘Viksit Zunheboto’ in the next DPDB meeting in the month of July which would also feature PowerPoint presentation on “Viksit Zunheboto” by the district administration. All line departments were further notified with regard to the deliberated proposal and informed to be prepared with all concerned requirements.
