Kohima: In a bid to ensure uninterrupted power supply for students ahead of the impending exams, the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has intensified its efforts to address the issue of erratic power supply in Nagaland.
ASU president, Mhasimhalie David Mere, addressing a press conference at its office in Kohima, highlighted the challenges faced by students due to irregular power supply, with complaints pouring in from friends and fellow students.
He informed that the union swiftly raised the issue with authorities in the power department, as concerns were shared by residents from Chümoukedima and Dimapur.
A formal representation was submitted to the Department, emphasising the critical need for stable electricity supply, especially with exams commencing on Monday and over 40,000 students set to appear.
Despite setting a 48-hour timeframe for action, he said that the ASU was yet to witness regular power supply. Consequently, volunteers have been mobilised to provide real-time updates on the situation.
Expressing a sense of urgency, Mere emphasised that the ASU, during its 78 years of existence, had previously resorted to shutting down the power department offices.
Saying that the student body does not wish to repeat such actions, he informed that ASU is prepared to take further action if the government and the concerned department does not address the issue.
General secretary, Vimeyiekho Vitso, echoed Mere’s concerns, noting the adverse impact of erratic power supply on both exam preparation and local businesses. While acknowledging the challenges faced by the power department, Vitso stressed the need for a conducive environment for students during exams.
Following discussions with government officials, ASU representatives were assured of efforts to address the grievances, including the proposed additional purchase of power to alleviate the situation.
However, Vitso emphasised that their primary focus remains on ensuring power stability for students, regardless of the financial implications for the government.
Asserting their obligation to represent the voice of students across Nagaland, Vitso reiterated their commitment to taking necessary action to address the long-standing issue of power instability during exam periods.
He emphasised the need for concrete solutions to prevent a recurrence in the future, as yearly protests have failed to yield lasting results.
As the exam period draws near, he informed that ASU remains steadfast in its resolve to secure regular power supply for students, expressing hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing challenge.
Further, Vitso reiterated that ASU stands prepared to escalate their efforts if necessary to ensure a conducive environment for students during exams.
On February 7, ASU submitted a 48-hour ultimatum to the Kohima division of the Power department. A day later, the department responded highlighting it’s problems including the shortfall of power availability from the source.
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The department also pointed out the need to have additional power from the market ranging from 7MW to 60MW stating that the proposal is awaiting approval from the government.
Despite the department’s assurance to ensure power availability in the exam centres and towns, ASU pressed the need for the department to provide power availability across the state, particularly during the examinations.
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