The Private College Association Nagaland (PCAN) Thursday urged upon the state government to address some of its concerns highlighted in the field of higher education.
In a representation addressed to the state chief secretary, the PCAN president Dr. PS Lorin and general secretary Vezuhu Keyho maintained that the private colleges besides providing quality education also form an important part of the state’s economic chain. PCAN pointed out that some 44 private colleges in the state employ about 1,090 teachers and 640 staff.
PCAN expressed apprehension that continued shutdown of schools and colleges would affect the financial sustainability of the private institutions, which in turn, would adversely impact the pay and salary of teachers and staff. It has therefore, urged upon the state government to look into it.
PCAN also said private colleges were also trying their best to keep students updated with studies and through online platforms and other ICT means. It however, pointed out that many students were outside the online loop on account of poor internet connectivity or because some could not afford a smart phone.
It, therefore stated that reopening of educational institutions at the earliest was of great importance. PCAN, however, said the government could permit it if and when deemed safe and expressed full cooperation in this regard, in whatever way possible.
Further, PCAN requested that the conduct of university semester examinations, scheduled by first week of April 2020, may first be considered before reopening regular classes.
It said if classes reopen and exams conducted, the government should announce strict safety protocol guidelines for the institutions to follow. PCAN also requested assistance for equipment and health workers for daily/regular screening of students, faculty and staff. PCAN also said that there were many students stranded in different locations due to lockdown and requested the government not neglect the plight of stranded students till normalcy returned. PCAN also requested the government for financial assistance to colleges for upgradation to ICT facilities post COVID-19.
Meanwhile, PCAN reiterated support for the measures that the government was taking and could take in the future to contain the virus.