The new academic building of the Zunheboto Government College which was inaugurated on June 5. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | June 5
The new academic building of Zunheboto Government College was inaugurated by Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along on June 5. The project was constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), a central scheme to strengthen higher-education institutions, with funding and collaboration from the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and the Government of Nagaland.
Speaking as the special guest, Minister Along commended the Directorate of Higher Education and the engineering wing for their dedication and quality workmanship, noting a marked transformation in the college’s facilities since his last visit in 2018.
“Transformation does not happen overnight,” the Minister said. “It requires commitment, resilience and consistent practice within the system.” He appealed to public leaders, NGOs, civil society and church leaders to give the government time and space to implement sustained changes aimed at deep transformation rather than superficial reform.
Addressing students, he called on the younger generation to be agents of transformation, encouraging them to adopt new approaches to learning and work beyond past mindsets. He reminded many students who come from middle‑class farming backgrounds that a degree alone will not solve the State’s human resource challenges; patience, purpose and application of knowledge are essential. He warned against complacency among the educated and urged citizens to move from complaint to constructive action.
He also called on principals and faculty to model progressive attitudes so students can imbibe values that contribute to societal advancement. “Education is more than a degree or a postgraduate title,” he said. “It is a mindset and a way of contributing to society.”
Commitment to programme, local exposure and capacity building Minister Along urged the college to prioritise exposure to Nagaland’s districts and promote intra‑state and inter‑tribal understanding.
He assured continued support for infrastructure development and announced plans to pursue the establishment of a Sociology department and a Science stream at ZGC, along with creation of posts to support these programme.
He encouraged church leaders and community groups to start free coaching and tuition initiatives, adding the government is willing to support such programme via departmental grant-in-aid. Stressing the need for more professionals in fields such as engineering, medicine and law, the Minister urged communities to nurture and send skilled youth to contribute to nation building.
Dr R Bendangtemjen, Principal of Zunheboto Government College, delivered the welcome address, noting that the new academic building constructed under PM-USHA, arrives at a critical moment as the college expands its programs.
He informed that the university has approved a fourth-year undergraduate programme and an Honours track in Education, previously offered only as a general course. “With increased enrollment and academic offerings, additional classrooms have become a necessity,” he stated. As the district’s only government college, the Principal also outlined urgent needs: security fencing and a gate for the girls’ hostel, an auditorium, administrative block, staff quarters, the introduction of Sociology and Sümi Studies, and a Skill Hub.
Presenting the technical report, Er Nuhuta Tetseo, SDO, PWD (Housing), Education Division, Nagaland, informed that the project was funded by the Ministry of Education, GoI, through the Department of Higher Education, GoN.
The project was sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore, and the work order was awarded to Tott Enterprises on March 13, 2025, with a stipulated completion period of 24 months. Tetseo stated that the project was completed ahead of schedule due to the dedication and efficiency of the contractor and all stakeholders involved.
The newly constructed G+2 academic block comprises two classrooms and one toilet block on each floor, providing a total of six classrooms and three toilet blocks with water supply facilities. The building has a total plinth area of 828 square metres. Each classroom measures approximately 70 square metres and can comfortably accommodate 60 to 75 students, giving the facility a total seating capacity of around 360 to 450 students.
Tetseo further informed that the structural design allows scope for future expansion on the top floor should additional funding be made available, enabling the college to further strengthen its infrastructure to meet growing academic demands.
Earlier, Nisana T Zhimo, Assistant Professor Department of Political Science chaired the event. Rev Inakhu Sumi, Pastor of Zunheboto Town Sumi Baptist Church, offered a dedicatory prayer, followed by a special number from students. Sentiyanger Pongen, Additional Secretary, GoN and SPD, PM-USHA, delivered a short speech, noting that the scheme was launched in 2013–14 by the Government of India with only six new model colleges proposed nationwide, four of which were allocated to Nagaland. He urged everyone to nurture and care for this initiative. The vote of thanks was given by Newtoli K Yeptho, PM-USHA Coordinator and Associate Professor of History.
