ZUNHEBOTO, FEBRUARY 18 (MExN): The All Sümi Students' Union (SKK) has expressed concern and disappointment over the inordinate delay in upgrading Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) to a full-fledged engineering college.
Established in 1972, KPA is the oldest polytechnic in Nagaland, and its upgradation has long been overdue. Despite repeated assurances and approvals, the state government has failed to take concrete actions, forcing thousands of Nagas to pursue technical education outside the state, placing a financial burden on both families and the state exchequer, a press release issued by the SKK stated on Tuesday.
Notably, despite earlier representations on July 30, 2018, and again on September 5, 2024, requesting the upgradation of KPA to a full-fledged engineering college, no practical steps have been taken. The assurances and approvals remain on paper, with no tangible progress on the ground.
The SKK also pointed out that a cabinet meeting held on December 17, 2007, under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, had approved the upgradation of KPA to a degree-level institution. However, despite this approval, no action has been implemented in practice for decades.
The SKK has demanded that the state government take immediate and concrete steps to upgrade KPA to a full-fledged engineering college, as approved and accredited by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), within 15 days of receiving this letter.
It expected that a comprehensive plan with a clear timeline for implementation, including the allocation of necessary funds and resources.
The SKK emphasized that the upgradation of KPA is a longstanding demand and called on the government to act impartially. Justice requires the government to implement the upgradation without further delay, ensuring equal opportunities for the students of Nagaland, it added.
Should the government fail to comply with this demand, it will be compelled to utilize all democratic means at its disposal to ensure that justice is served, the SKK has cautioned.
