Kohima, May 1 (MExN): The All Nagaland College Students' Union (ANCSU) on Friday cautioned to ‘respond through appropriate and democratic means’ if the state government fails to act urgently on the stalled construction of a 100-bedded girls' hostel at Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Jotsoma, with a funding agency now initiating proceedings to reclaim the sanctioned amount.
The project, backed by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding of Rs 3,52,68,650, has remained stagnant despite the release of an initial instalment of Rs 1,05,80,595 on April 12, 2023, the union said in a statement.
The total estimated project cost stands at Rs 6,00,00,000, with the state government committed to contributing Rs 2,47,31,350 as its share under a joint funding arrangement involving the IDAN Department and the Higher Education Department, which serves as the Project Implementing Committee.
“However, it is observed that the necessary measures to ensure the timely execution of this important project have not yet been adequately undertaken over the past three years,” ANCSU President Kivika Yeptho and General Secretary Sotilo Tep said in the statement. “The failure to either complete the construction or safeguard the sanctioned funds would represent a serious lapse in responsibility,” it noted while adding, owing to the “continued delay and non-completion within the stipulated timeframe by the concerned department, the funding agency has initiated proceedings for the refund of the sanctioned amount.”
“This development is both unfortunate and alarming, as it risks depriving the institution of essential infrastructure intended to address the accommodation and safety needs of female students.”
The ANCSU noted that the project had been envisaged to provide international-standard accommodation and address the safety needs of female students, and that the CSR assistance was specifically sanctioned for the construction of 100-bedded girls’ hostel within the approved financial framework.
Holding the concerned departments accountable for inaction over the past three years, the union reminded that it remains “committed to constructive dialogue and resolution.” It urged the state government to act “with urgency, accountability, and transparency” to resolve the matter at the earliest. “Continued inaction will compel the student community to respond through appropriate and democratic means,” ANCUS cautioned, adding that the aspirations and welfare of students “cannot be compromised.”
“It expects immediate and decisive intervention to ensure that the project is completed within the CSR proposed sanctioned amount without further delay,” the union asserted.
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