Temjen Imna Along inaugurates PM-USHA-funded projects at Dimapur Government College to boost skills and higher education.
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DIMAPUR — Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, on Saturday inaugurated three major infrastructure projects at Dimapur Government College (DGC)—a girls' hostel, a new academic building, and Nagaland’s first skill hub in a government college.
The projects, constructed at a total cost of INR 12.724 crore, were funded under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).
Addressing the inaugural programme, Along said the successful implementation of PM-USHA projects reflected the government's commitment to gender equity and quality education.
He stated that success should not be measured merely by the completion of projects but by the quality of execution that meets the aspirations of the younger generation.
He said the new facilities signify a shift in higher education from literacy-focused learning to employability-oriented development.
Stressing the importance of human resource development, Along remarked that infrastructure alone cannot ensure progress if human capital is not developed in the right direction.
The minister announced plans to develop DGC into a “Yuva Tourism Hub” under a proposed tourism circuit project worth INR 5–10 crore.
The project is expected to include facilities such as a youth hostel, gymnasium and biodiversity park, which could generate revenue through the hosting of delegates and visitors.
Highlighting his vision of transforming DGC into a centre of excellence, Along said effective management of human resources is essential for educational institutions and leadership.
He credited Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for ensuring the timely release of the state’s 10 per cent share required for project implementation and lauded the improved quality of government construction works in recent years.
Despite Nagaland being among the most literate states in India, Along observed that educated unemployment remains a major challenge.
He noted that while Nagaland is one of the highest government-employment-providing states in the country, it also records a high rate of educated unemployment.
He called for a change in mindset and greater emphasis on skill development and employability.
The minister urged citizens to move beyond criticism and acknowledge developmental progress, citing the newly inaugurated DGC facilities as examples of positive transformation.
He also pointed to recent improvements in government educational infrastructure across the state, stating that public institutions are increasingly matching private-sector standards.
Along further raised concerns over persistent garbage dumping along the NH-36 stretch leading to DGC despite the installation of CCTV surveillance.
While appreciating the cleanliness initiatives undertaken by the DGC Alumni Association, he appealed to the public to refrain from littering and assured intervention if the issue continues.
Additional Secretary and State Project Director (SPD) of PM-USHA, Sentiyanger Pongen, said the scheme, launched by the Ministry of Education, aims to strengthen government colleges across the country.
He noted that PM-USHA has significantly improved higher education infrastructure in Nagaland and contributed to increasing public confidence in government colleges.
Pongen urged institutions to take ownership of the projects and regularly monitor infrastructure development to ensure quality and timely completion.
He also disclosed that Nagaland has secured approval for four of the six new model colleges sanctioned by the Ministry of Education nationwide.
Describing the achievement as significant for a small state, Pongen credited Along for his efforts in securing the approvals and informed that construction work on the new colleges is expected to commence soon.
Superintending Engineer, Education Division, NPWD, Hokato Sema, presented a technical report on the infrastructure projects inaugurated at DGC.
He informed that the new academic building, constructed at an approved cost of INR 4.22 crore under the PM-USHA scheme, was completed by M/s TOTT Enterprise, with the Executive Engineer, PWD (Housing) Education Division serving as the implementing agency.
The girls’ hostel, built by M/s Zenith Enterprise at a cost of INR 6 crore, has a plinth area of 1,585 sq m and includes 46 rooms, a kitchen, dining hall, recreation room, store room, warden’s quarters and disabled-friendly toilets.
Sema also highlighted the incubation centre/skill hub, constructed by M/s AREN Enterprise at a cost of INR 2.5 crore. Built on a plinth area of 743 sq m, the facility has seven rooms on each floor.
Higher & Technical Education Secretary Sarita Yadav said the facilities would strengthen the academic environment, promote innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development, while enhancing student welfare.