All Sümi Students' Union serves 15-day deadline for Khelhoshe Polytechnic upgrade
The All Sümi Students' Union has demanded the state government to take immediate and tangible actions to upgrade Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu to a full-fledged engineering college
- DIMAPUR — The All
Sümi Students' Union (SKK) has demanded the state government to take immediate
and tangible actions to upgrade Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) to a
full-fledged engineering college, as approved and accredited by the All India
Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and National Board of Accreditation
(NBA).
- In a press release on Tuesday, the SKK served a 15-day
deadline to the government towards the upgrade process.
- Expressing concern and disappointment at the inordinate
delay in upgrading Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu to a full-fledged engineering
college, the union reminded that KPA, established in 1972, is the oldest
polytechnic institute in Nagaland, and that its upgrade is “long overdue.”
- The union also pointed out that despite repeated assurances
and approvals, the state government has failed to take concrete actions,
resulting in thousands of Nagas being forced to pursue technical education
outside the state, besides causing immense financial burdens on families and
the state exchequer.
- “Notably, despite our earlier representation on 30th July
2018, and a subsequent representation on 5th September 2024, for the upgrade of
KPA to a full-fledged engineering college, nothing has been implemented
pragmatically. The approvals and assurances remain on paper, with no tangible
progress on the ground,” the union alleged.
- The SKK also recalled that the cabinet meeting held on
December 17, 2007, under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, approved the upgrade of
KPA to a college degree level.
- However, more than 17 years after the approval, “nothing has
been implemented in practice.” The SKK said it expects a comprehensive plan
with a clear timeline for implementation, including the allocation of necessary
funds and resources.
- “We emphasise that the upgrade of KPA is a long-standing
demand, and the government should not adopt a biased approach. Justice demands
that the government implements the upgrade without further delay, ensuring
equal opportunities for the students of Nagaland,” the union said.