DIMAPUR — The Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) has become the first college in the Nagaland to be selected for implementation of the “Strengthening component of star college programme” by the department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
The DBT has launched a scheme ‘Star college scheme for strengthening of Science Education and training at undergraduate level’ for improving critical thinking and 'hands-on' experimental work at the undergraduate (college) level in sciences.
The award will run for three years and the mandate of support is for strengthening the infrastructure of undergraduate-level science laboratory, stated an update from the college.
The project coordinator is Dr. Kensibo Pamai, assistant professor of PCC (A), and the departmental convenors are Dr. T. Moaienla Ao (Chemistry), Panchanan Thakur (Physics), Dr. Zevelou Koza (Zoology) and Dr. ThejanuoRhetso (Botany).
The funds for the project are meant for creation of capital assets as well as grant-in-aid in general during the three-year period.
Reacting to the news, Dr. Thepfüvilie Pierü, principal of PCC (A), stated that prestigious award with large funding would greatly augment and enhance the laboratory facilities of the Science departments.
“This has come at a very appropriate and crucial time because the college will introduce National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) in the present academic session (2024-25), which focuses strongly on multidisciplinary education which is affordable and accessible to all students,” Dr. Pierü said.
“An important aspect of NEP 2020 can be fulfilled by the college through the generous funding provided by the department of Biotechnology, through their Star College Programme,” he added.
He also congratulated to the project coordinator, Dr. Kensibo Pamai, and all the faculty members of the Science departments for having achieved the important milestone.
It mentioned that the Star College Scheme is a pan-India scheme that envisages a star college in every district of the country. It is expected to encourage more students to take up higher education in science.
Report also stated that the DBT would identify colleges with ambition and potential for excellence and provide academic and physical infrastructure for achieving excellence in teaching and unique exposure of students to experimental science.
Apart from financial support, colleges would benefit tremendously from guidance received in advisory committee meetings, mentoring, task force meetings and learning from peers in other colleges.