An Academic and Administrative Audit (AAA) team constituted by the Higher Education Department, Government of Nagaland, has outlined key priorities for Pfutsero Government College, including improved access to funding, stronger student grievance mechanisms, better job placement support and enhanced academic research.
The audit, conducted on October 17, assessed the college’s academic and administrative functioning over five academic years, from 2021 to 2026.
The team was convened by Dr Watijungshi, retired Additional Director of Higher Education, and included Dr Temjenwapang, Principal of Kohima Science College (A), and Dr Ketoukhrie-u, Associate Professor and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) Coordinator of Kohima College.
During the exercise, the team reviewed the college’s administration, developmental activities, internal quality assurance and departmental performance. It also consulted the students’ union executives and non-teaching staff and physically verified the institution’s infrastructure before providing feedback on areas for improvement.
Dr Watijungshi commended the college for obtaining recognition under Section 2(f) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act and stressed the need to secure recognition under Section 12(b), which would make the institution eligible for major funding opportunities.
He also urged the IQAC to ensure that memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with other institutions were functional and yielded meaningful outcomes, rather than being signed merely as formalities. He further highlighted the importance of conducting a Green Audit, identifying dedicated tree plantation as one initiative the college could undertake.
Dr Temjenwapang emphasised the need for robust data collection and reporting mechanisms in preparation for the forthcoming National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) assessment framework. He identified faculty research output as an important area of focus and encouraged faculty members to pursue multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaborative research.
On student welfare and career development, Dr Ketoukhrie-u encouraged the college to go beyond career guidance and develop mechanisms to facilitate job placements.
She also recommended consolidating complaint mechanisms relating to gender discrimination, ragging and other forms of discrimination under a functional committee, instead of maintaining multiple committees that may not be operational. Highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge systems under the forthcoming assessment framework, she suggested establishing a Traditional Knowledge Committee alongside the college’s existing Cultural Committee.
Other recommendations included introducing a gender budget, strengthening student feedback on classroom activities, exploring funding through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, civil society organisations and alumni, developing the library at the new campus, enhancing skill-development initiatives and improving Wi-Fi coverage.
The Academic and Administrative Audit serves as an internal assessment mechanism within the Higher Education Department, Government of Nagaland, to review institutional functioning and identify areas for improvement.
