Kohima, July 3: Nagaland took a significant step towards strengthening its higher education infrastructure on Friday with the virtual foundation stone laying ceremony for four New Model Degree Colleges under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).
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| Nagaland Higher Education & Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along virtually lays the foundation stones for four New Model Degree Colleges under the PM-USHA scheme in Niuland, Noklak, Shamator and Tseminyu, aimed at expanding access to quality higher education across the state. |
The foundation stones were virtually laid by Minister for Higher Education & Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, in the presence of Amit Singh, Section Officer, Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, along with officials from the PM-USHA/RUSA team.
The four New Model Degree Colleges will be established in Niuland, Noklak, Shamator, and Tseminyu, expanding access to quality higher education in some of Nagaland's newly created districts.
The programme was attended by Sarita Yadav, Secretary, Higher & Technical Education; V. Lovitoly Sema, NCS, Additional Secretary, Higher & Technical Education and Ex-Officio Director of Higher Education; Sentiyanger Pongen, Additional Secretary and State Project Director, RUSA/PM-USHA; Ruokuosatuo Yhome, Project Officer (PM-USHA); Tol Pucho, Assistant Director, Higher Education; and Chubalepshi Jamir, Executive Engineer, PWD (Housing), Higher Education Division, Kohima, among other officials.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister highlighted the importance of expanding higher education facilities across the state to ensure that students from all regions have access to quality learning opportunities closer to their homes.
The establishment of the four colleges marks a major milestone in Nagaland's efforts to strengthen higher education infrastructure under the PM-USHA scheme, which aims to improve access, equity and quality in higher education institutions across the country.
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According to the Department of Higher Education, the initiative reflects the Nagaland Government's continued commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable educational development by creating modern academic infrastructure and expanding opportunities for students, particularly in underserved districts.
The new institutions are expected to reduce the need for students to travel long distances to pursue higher education while contributing to regional development and enhancing the state's Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education.
The government expressed confidence that the new colleges will play a vital role in empowering the youth, promoting academic excellence, and supporting the long-term socio-economic development of Nagaland through accessible and quality higher education.
