Report on the Inauguration of 3 PM-USHA Buildings
Dimapur Government College (DGC) marked a significant milestone on 30th May 2026 with the inauguration of three major infrastructure projects by Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education & Tourism, Government of Nagaland, Shri Temjen Imna Along, funded under Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), Ministry of Education, Government of India. The Projects inaugurated includes:
1. Academic Building under the “Grants to Strengthen Colleges” component constructed at an approved cost of INR 4.22 crore, with 13 class rooms.
2. Incubation Centre/Skill Hub under the “Gender Inclusion and Equity Initiatives” component constructed by M/s AREN Enterprise at a cost of INR 2.5 crore, has seven rooms.
3. Girls’ Hostel under the “Gender Inclusion and Equity Initiatives” component built at a cost of INR 6 crore, includes 46 rooms, a kitchen, dining hall, recreation room, store room, warden’s quarters and disabled-friendly toilets. The Executive Engineer, PWD (Housing) Education Division served as the implementing agency.
Earlier, the programme commenced with the unveiling of the monolith led by Dr. A. Sentiyula, Assoc. Professor & Head of English Department and a dedicatory prayer offered by Ms. Rebainla Ao, Assoc. Professor, Department of Education, followed by the formal inauguration ceremony at the new Academic Building. The event featured Ms. Diethoseü Mepfhüo, Assoc. Professor & Head, Education Department, chairing the programme, welcome address by the principal, Dr. T. Tiakaba Jamir, presentation of the technical report, and speeches by officials from the Department of Higher & Technical Education and PM-USHA.
The programme was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Smti. Sarita Yadav, IAS, Secretary, H&TE; Shri Sentiyanger Pongen, Addl. Secretary, H&TE & State Project Director, PM-USHA; Smti. V. Lovitoly Sema, NCS, Ex-Officio Director, Higher Education; Er. Hokato Sema, Superintending Engineer, Education Division, NPWD; along with other officials and stakeholders.
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, highlighted the positive impact of the PM-USHA scheme on higher education and stated that the centrally sponsored scheme, launched by the Ministry of Education to strengthen government colleges across the country, has played a key role in improving infrastructure and academic standards in the state’s institutions. He noted that government colleges in Nagaland have witnessed significant progress, resulting in increased student preference and admissions.
Emphasizing the importance of transparency, efficiency, and timely execution, he said PM-USHA projects are implemented in phases, with subsequent installments released only after proper utilization of funds and submission of utilization certificates. He commended Dimapur Government College for its proactive approach in implementing projects under the scheme.
Pongen urged college authorities, faculty members, and students to take collective responsibility for maintaining and monitoring the assets created under PM-USHA to ensure timely completion and effective utilization of projects. He also revealed that Nagaland had secured approval for four of the six new model colleges sanctioned by the Ministry of Education, describing it as a significant achievement for the state.
Superintending Engineer, Education Division, NPWD, Hokato Sema, highlighted the successful completion of three major infrastructure projects at Dimapur Government College (DGC) under the PM-USHA scheme. He said the Academic Building, constructed at a cost of ₹4.22 crore, was completed by M/s TOTT Enterprise within 13–14 months despite initial delays in site selection. The 1,478-square-metre building houses 13 classrooms and can accommodate between 780 and 910 students, depending on the seating arrangement. He also noted that the structure has been designed to allow future vertical expansion if required.
The Girls’ Hostel, built at a cost of ₹6 crore, is a four-storey facility comprising 46 rooms, including accommodation for the warden, along with a kitchen, dining hall and recreation room was completed by M/s Zenith Enterprise.
Sema further informed that the Incubation Centre/Skill Hub project completed by M/s AREN Enterprise at a cost of INR 2.5 crore faced initial delays due to land-related issues but was completed within a year after work commenced. The 743-square-metre facility consists of seven rooms spread across multiple floors.
Appreciating the contractors for completing the projects ahead of schedule and maintaining quality standards, Sema expressed gratitude to the department, contractors and all stakeholders involved in the successful execution of the projects.
Higher & Technical Education Secretary Sarita Yadav said the facilities would strengthen the academic environment, promote innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development, while enhance student welfare. She said that the inauguration of the PM-USHA projects at Dimapur Government College marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen higher education and expand opportunities for the youth of Nagaland. Noting that it symbolized not only the opening of new infrastructure but also the collective commitment of the government towards improving educational facilities in the state. She stated that these facilities would enhance the academic environment of Dimapur Government College while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, skill development, and student welfare.
Yadav further expressed optimism that more developmental projects would be initiated under the minister’s leadership and commended the agencies involved in implementing the projects for completing the works within the stipulated timeframe. Congratulating Dimapur Government College on the successful completion of the projects, Yadav expressed confidence that the institution would continue to achieve greater success and excellence in the years ahead. She urged students and faculty to make the best use of the newly inaugurated facilities to further academic growth and development.
Ex- officio Director, Higher Education, V. Lovitoly Sema, NCS, stated that the Academic Building is expected to enhance teaching and learning by providing improved academic infrastructure, while the Incubation Centre and Skill Hub will promote entrepreneurship, innovation and employability among students. Emphasizing that infrastructure alone does not define excellence, she called upon administrators, teachers, students and policymakers to work collectively in transforming institutions into centres of excellence and to utilize the new facilities responsibly for the advancement of education and society. She expressed confidence that the projects would usher in a new era of academic growth, innovation and inclusive progress for Dimapur Government College and the higher education sector in Nagaland.
The programme also featured a special musical presentation by Imliasen and friends from BA 2nd Semester, adding colour to the occasion. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Meripeni Ngully, Vice Principal of the college, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, officials, faculty members, students and guests for their contributions towards the successful implementation and inauguration of the projects.
The college extends its sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Government of India, Department of Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, and all stakeholders involved in making this vision a reality. May these new facilities inspire learning, innovation, and excellence for generations of students to come.
Press & Media Cell
Dimapur Govt. College