Kohima: The Nagaland Directorate of Technical Education has issued a formal plea to the All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK), urging them to cease their ongoing protest. This protest stems from concerns surrounding the introduction of a civil engineering degree program at Khelhoshe Polytechnic, Atoizu. The Directorate has assured the student body that their grievances are being actively addressed, emphasizing the government’s dedication to implementing the Cabinet’s decisions regarding the matter.
A significant development in this situation occurred on March 10, 2025, when Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio convened a high-level meeting to deliberate on the contentious issue. Following these discussions, the Chief Minister has directed the Directorate to organize a crucial consultative meeting. This meeting, scheduled for March 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM, will take place within the Directorate of Technical Education’s Conference Hall. Hon’ble MLA and Advisor for Transport & Technical Education will preside over the discussions. The government has extended an invitation to the SKK, encouraging their participation to foster a collaborative approach towards resolving the issue, prioritizing the welfare of the state’s technical students. In light of the forthcoming dialogue, the SKK has been requested to suspend its protest.
Simultaneously, a renewed push for the complete transformation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic, Atoizu (KPA) into a comprehensive engineering college has emerged, with stakeholders imploring the Nagaland government to accelerate this long-delayed transition. In a formal communication sent to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, representatives from various organizations underscored the institution’s established history and its pivotal role in producing skilled professionals since its inception in 1972. Despite its potential and previous governmental assurances, KPA continues to operate solely as a diploma-level institution. This limitation compels students to pursue engineering degrees outside Nagaland, imposing a significant financial burden on families and contributing to the exodus of talented individuals.
The representation also referenced a Nagaland Cabinet decision made on December 17, 2007, which sanctioned the introduction of a Civil Engineering Degree Course at KPA, followed by a resolution for its elevation to an engineering college. However, this decision has remained unfulfilled for over a decade.