Dimapur, Aug. 21 (EMN): The directorate of Higher Education has announced on Aug. 20 post-matric scholarships for students studying theology at institutions recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Kuholi Chishi, the director of Higher Education, told Eastern Mirror on Tuesday: “Any theological students are eligible to apply for scholarship as long as they are studying under the UGC recognised universities.” However, the recognised institutions must be registered with the All India Survey on Higher Education (Aishe).
“We (the department) also do not know if there is anybody else who we missed has already been registered under other UGC recognised university,” she maintained.
According to Chishi, “You do not get a code or recognition” unless the institutions are registered with the Aishe. There might be some institutions which do not know about the formal procedures, therefore, the department has taken a “very simple” step.
Chishi pointed out that the “new decision” was taken by the Higher Education department presided by the minister for Higher Education and Technical Education, Temjen Imna Along, as its chairman. According to the decision that was taken during the meeting of the department, the minister had stated that the scholarships can be opened for students who are studying theology in UGC-recognised universities.
Assuring students about the short timeline being put up on the website www.nagaland.gov.in, she said, “It can be worked out” and can be extended. ‘We are working on that,’ Chishi said. The director informed that students would be notified further with information.
The commissioner-secretary of Higher and Technical Education, Dellirose M Sakhrie, spoke to Eastern Mirror. She said, “We are just trying to make a beginning this year.” Referring to the procedures, she said that the theological colleges have a “little vague” idea about how to go about it. “Because of that, many who are eligible also could not claim (the scholarships),” she said.
Students studying theology from UGC recognised universities for the post-matric scholarship for 2018-19 can avail the opportunity on or before Aug. 30. Students may apply online through the state government’s portal. Also, the students are to furnish the institution’s UGC registration or affiliation number to the directorate for further action via e-mail or contact number during office hours; E-mail: dir.higheredu@gmail.com; phone numbers 0370-2271030, 9615021554.
On June 18, the Eastern Nagaland College Students Union (ENCSU) issued a press release appealing to the state government to provide scholarships to theology students. After a period of two months, the demand of the ENCSU and the individuals in concern could become a reality on Monday.
