Students undertake village needs survey under ATI Nagaland initiative

Kohima, October 26 (MExN): The Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Nagaland, in collaboration with Baptist College, Kohima, conducted a field-based survey titled “Voice from the Village: A Community Grievance, Possible Solutions and Needs Assessment Survey” in three villages across the state.The survey was carried out in H Hotovi in Niuland district, Thekrejuma in Kohima district, and Holongba in Tuensang district as part of the village-level functionaries training programme, a press release said.Eighteen students accompanied by three faculty members stayed in the villages for three days and two nights from October 17 to 20 to identify community grievances, assess developmental needs, and explore possible solutions. Dr Sentinaro, Coordinator, IQAC, Baptist College, Kohima, coordinated the overall execution.The study covered key areas such as road connectivity, healthcare, education, water supply, electricity, employment opportunities, access to government schemes, and preservation of traditional and cultural heritage.The findings were presented to the Director General, ATI, on October 26 with the objective of bringing grassroots concerns to the attention of the government and informing future development planning. The programme was attended by Kaholi Sema, Joint Director, Asale Lese, Deputy Secretary, Imlibenla Jamir, Deputy Director, and Dr Alem W Longchar and Dr Hovithal.The Director General of ATI emphasised the need to assess whether government schemes and development projects are effectively reaching their intended beneficiaries, and expressed hope for further collaborations of this nature to strengthen community participation and improve delivery of public services.Students shared that they benefited from the village attachment and suggested solutions to various issues, while also noting traditional strengths such as water conservation methods and environmental preservation. ATI plans to expand the initiative to more students in the coming programme.