ANCSU seeks to enhance funding for colleges

Dimapur, July 22 (MExN): The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has submitted a representation to the Ex-Officio Director, Department of Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, urging a comprehensive revision and enhancement of the Grant-in-Aid provided to private and theological colleges across the State.

In its submission, the ANCSU acknowledged the Government’s continued support through the Non-Development Budget, which currently allocates an annual sum of Rs 2,65,00,000 for the purpose. However, the Union pointed out that the disbursement is fragmented, with many institutions receiving merely Rs 2,00,000, Rs 1,50,000, or Rs 1,00,000 each, amounts that are grossly insufficient given the rising costs of academic administration, infrastructure upkeep, technological upgrades, and student welfare services.

ANCSU President Kivika Yeptho and General Secretary Sotilo Tep highlighted that private and theological colleges have been instrumental in supplementing Government efforts to expand higher education, especially in underserved and remote areas of the State. Despite their critical role in imparting quality education, generating local employment, and contributing to human resource development, these institutions continue to function under severe financial constraints. The current Grant-in-Aid structure, the Union stressed, severely limits their capacity to invest in academic infrastructure, laboratory and library resources, digital learning tools, and overall institutional development.

Appealing to the Director’s office for immediate intervention, the ANCSU called for a thorough review of the existing funding mechanism and a substantial increase in financial assistance across all categories of aided colleges. The Union also urged that the full budgetary provision under the Non-Development Budget be utilised judiciously and transparently, so that the intended benefits reach the institutions effectively.

“Strengthening private and theological colleges through enhanced financial support is not merely a fiscal measure, it is an investment in the future of Nagaland’s higher education sector,” the ANCSU said in its representation.