Nagaland Chief Minister inaugurates Norman Putsure College in Chumoukedima

Our Reporter
Dimapur, June 29 (EMN): Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, on Wednesday inaugurated Norman Putsure College, a new college at Chumoukedima founded in memory of late Norman Putsure.

Sharing about Putsure, who was his childhood friend, Rio said that as a bureaucrat (IAS officer), he had always worked on mission mode, and any assignment, be it official or personal, his approach was always to see the challenges positively.

‘His belief and trust in the innate potential of the youth and how to garner these potentials into positive outcomes was always a hallmark in his approach to life,’ he said.

He appreciated the dedicated efforts of Putsure’s wife late Akruzo, his children Seyievinuo, Aseiu and Saneinuo and family members for establishing this college in his memory to celebrate the life of late Norman Putsure.

Maintaining that the college aims at inspiring the generations to come and to equip them for a brighter tomorrow, he said it is based on Christian principles and to provide a holistic approach to every student that walks into the institute.

He also asserted that any institution or movement has to be based on sound principles and clear guidelines.

Unemployment a serious issue

Citing the annual Period Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for 2020-21 report, Rio said Nagaland has the highest unemployment rate in the country.

“This is a serious concern since we are all aware; avenues of employment in the government are limited, and therefore, we have to venture out into other fields as well,” he said.

He updated that there are 15 government colleges in Nagaland with 11,115 students, while Kohima Science College has been given autonomous status.

Out of the 54 private colleges with 22,349 students enrolled as in 2021, St. Joseph’s College Jakhama and Patkai Christian College Seithekema have been given autonomous status. There are four universities while the pupil teacher ratio (PTR) in universities is 12 and colleges 17, he informed. 

The CM further updated that during 2022, 13,989 students under the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education had cleared Class 12 exams, excluding students passing out from other states or elsewhere.

He urged the students to make the best use of their student days; not restrict themselves to state government jobs but to venture out.

Quoting the College motto: “Think bright”, he urged the students to be positive and work towards their dreams.

Chiechama Chairman, M Metha and president of Chiecha Kuda Union, Tolto Metha, also spoke at the event.

Chairman of Norman Putsure College, Aseiu Putsure, and Vice Chairperson, Seyievinuo Putsure delivered the welcome address, while the Managing Director of the college, Saneinuo Putsure gave an introduction of the institute.

Dedicatory prayer was led by Pastor Diezevilhou Nagi, Baptist Church Sovima.