KOHIMA, APRIL 6 (MExN): The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has urged the Nagaland government to address issues plaguing technical education institutes across the state. In a representation submitted to the Advisor for Technical Education and Transportation, the union called for immediate intervention in staffing shortages, lack of laboratory equipment, inadequate transport facilities, and poor sanitation infrastructure.
The letter, signed by ANCSU President Tenyesinlo Bukh and General Secretary Kivinoka A Sema, follows a series of visits conducted by the union to various polytechnic institutions. According to ANCSU, several colleges are facing severe academic setbacks due to the “shortfall of lectures, demonstrator/ instructor in various departments.”
“The ANCSU while touring the polytechnic institutes have ascertained that many institutions are facing massive learning obstacles due to the shortfall of lectures, demonstrator/ instructor in various departments,” the union stated in its letter. It noted that this shortage is particularly affecting Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu, Government Polytechnic Kohima, Government Polytechnic Tsunazho, and other institutions.
The union also alleged negligence in duty on the part of some staff members. “Additionally, it has come to our attention that some demonstrators in the institutions are not performing their duties efficiently, jeopardizing the career of the students for quality technical education,” the memorandum read.
In response to these findings, ANCSU called on the department “to promptly asses on these matters and immediately appoint lectures, demonstrator/ instructor in the institutions particularly Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu, Government Polytechnic Kohima, Government Polytechnic Tsunazho and other polytechnic institutions.”
The students’ body further expressed concern over the lack of basic tools required for technical training. “Sir, as your esteemed self is well aware that technical students required adequate tools for proper skills training, the ANCSU wish to earnestly apprise your esteemed authority that there is lack of aforesaid equipments in many polytechnic institutes,” the union wrote.
It added that the lack of laboratory and electronic equipment, along with furniture, is “not only deprived the students of educational opportunities but also limited their potential and future prospects.” The union requested that “sufficient lab and technical equipment be provided in the polytechnic institutes on priority.”
The representation also flagged water shortages in some institutes. “Some institutes are suffering due to the water crisis, which demand immediate intervention of the department to attain the basic needs of the students,” the union stated.
Highlighting the socio-economic background of many technical students, the ANCSU said a majority come from families engaged in subsistence farming and low-income occupations, and are burdened by the lack of accessible and affordable transport.
“Many students struggle because of insufficient bus services in the institutions,” the letter said. It appealed to the department to “provide more bus at Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu and other polytechnic institutions,” and “appoint bus drivers at Government Polytechnic Tsunazho and other institutes.”
Sanitation infrastructure was another major concern cited by the union. Referring to a visit to Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu and other institutions, ANCSU said, “we are disheartened to observed unacceptable toilets.” It strongly urged the department “to immediately construct proper Girls and Boys toilet in these institutions.”
“The grave concerns outlined above directly impact the accessibility, efficiency and inclusivity of Technical Education in Nagaland,” the representation stated. The ANCSU appealed to the Advisor for “urgent and timely intervention on these issues and seek your assurance for necessary action at the earliest.”
