Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUGUST 5
The 53-year-old Kohima Science College, Jotsoma (KSC) has become the first government college in Nagaland to become an autonomous college. The status was conferred by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Speaking at the official launching of autonomous status on Tuesday at the college auditorium, Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education & SCERT Deo Nukhu termed the occasion a historic one and paid rich tributes to the founding members of the college. He said these pioneers have laid the foundation of higher education for future generations which is now bearing fruits.
Nukhu stated that along with the autonomy, the college will now have to shoulder greater responsibilities. He asserted that the education system of the institution should be strengthened and should be able to compete with the rest of India. “Our dream is to make this institution into a deemed university of science and technology,” he stated while assuring government’s support for the institution to make it a great science centre.
Stating that the college will now be requiring better infrastructures, the parliamentary secretary announced that post graduate courses will formally commence from the next academic session (2015-16) onwards. Towards this end, he pointed out on the need for a primary health centre in the campus as well as a full time police station in the vicinity and further encouraged the alumni to form a science society. Also, underscoring that physical fitness is important as reading and writing are for all round development of students, Nukhu suggested that sports infrastructures can also be improved. The parliamentary secretary also acknowledged the contribution of Jotsoma villagers to the college and further appealed to them for cooperation and safeguarding the college.
Commissioner & Secretary for Higher and Technical Education, FP Solo in his speech said the Kohima Science College has risen from humble beginnings with limited mandate to an autonomous college with wide possibilities. He termed the new status as a great achievement and a befitting tribute to the founding members of the college. However, this is not the time to sit back and celebrate but to realize the journey that lies ahead and strive to meet the requirements of the society, he stated. He called upon KSC authorities and faculty to focus on innovations to transform the college into an institution of excellence.
Director of Higher Education, C Khalong who also spoke on the occasion stated that the autonomous status is a great beginning and that milestones should be created in all fields. He observed that KSC is a hub of learning and a centre of excellence and called upon all to utilize their resources and talents. He also expressed hope that the college will shape its curriculum seeing to the indigenous needs of the students and at the same time link with top educational institutions elsewhere.
KSC Alumni Association president Dr. N Renthungo Jungio, Jotsoma Village Council advisor D Peseyie
KSC principal Dr. Vituo Belho and KSC associate professor Dr. Vizovol Mekro.
The conferment of autonomous status to KSC comes following the visit of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) peer team to the college in 2012 and accreditation of ‘Grade A’ to the college by NAAC and subsequent evaluation of the college by UGC expert team earlier this year in April. With the autonomy, the college will now have more academic independence, financial security with funds from UGC and freedom in framing new syllabi, courses etc.
Patkai Christian College is the only other college (private) in Nagaland which has gained academic autonomy from UGC.
