Only 45% of aids disbursed to eligible institutions; 54% remains with department, alleges Union
Dimapur, August 18 (MExN): The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has raised concerns over the utilisation and disbursement of Grant-in-Aid (GIA) under the Higher Education Department, questioning why a substantial portion of the annual provision does not reach eligible private and theological colleges and other organisations engaged in student welfare.
According to the ANCSU, an annual provision of Rs 2.65 crore is received under GIA from the State Government.
However, during the financial year 2025-26, only Rs 1.215 crore, or about 45% of the total provision, was disbursed to colleges and other eligible institutions.
The Union claimed that around 54% remained with the department for its activities and purposes.
While acknowledging the Government’s financial support to private and theological colleges and other eligible organisations, the ANCSU said the pattern of disbursement was concerning as the primary purpose of GIA was to provide financial assistance to eligible institutions to strengthen higher education, institutional development and student welfare.
The Union said private and theological colleges rely on GIA as their only source of financial assistance for institutional development and have contributed to expanding access to higher education, particularly in areas where government institutions remain limited.
It urged the department to undertake a comprehensive review of the GIA, including its allocation, retention and disbursement, and called for the available provision to be utilised transparently and primarily for its intended purpose.
The ANCSU said GIA should translate into tangible benefits for institutions and students, including improvements to classrooms, laboratories, libraries, digital facilities, learning resources and student-support systems.
“Strengthening the financial foundation of private and theological colleges and other eligible organisations is not merely an institutional requirement but an investment in the future of Nagaland’s higher education and its student community,” the Union said.
It expressed hope that the State Government would respond positively and take corrective measures in the interest of students and higher education in the State.
