Minister Temjen Imna Along clarifies Jotsoma hostel delay, says Yoga Day observance is voluntary and not being imposed
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DIMAPUR — Minister for Higher Education and Tourism Temjen Imna Along on Saturday clarified that the long-pending 100-bed girls' hostel project at Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Jotsoma, is being funded under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and not by the state or central government.
He explained that the government has limited authority over CSR-funded projects, saying that the college is merely the beneficiary while the CSR donor and the implementing agency are responsible for execution.
As such, he said, the government can only request the implementing agency to complete the hostel, as demanded by the All Nagaland College Students' Union (ANCSU).
The minister made the clarification while addressing the USTM Institutional Excellence Award 2026, a lecture on 'NEP 2020 & Career Opportunities', and the felicitation ceremony for NBSE HSSLC Top Achievers 2026 at the Town Hall, Dimapur, on Saturday.
Also read: ANCSU blames CM Rio for delaying Kohima Science College project
Responding to questions from media persons on the directive to observe International Yoga Day on a Sunday—which has triggered widespread opposition across Nagaland—Along said Yoga Day was not being imposed.
“It is only an exercise,” he said, adding, “Go to church on Sunday nicely. Before going to church, early in the morning, if you can do it, it's good.”
He further said that yoga is a practice that should be inculcated. “If you don't want to do it, please don't do it,” he remarked.
Asked about the concern raised by Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) that yoga is rooted in Hindu religious philosophy, the minister replied that it was a sensitive subject to discuss in the media and that it would be wise not to view everything through a religious lens.
"It is an art of life. It should be taken positively in many ways," he added.