Governor Neiphiu Rio of Nagaland initiates the launch of 51 educational projects under the Samagra Shiksha initiative
Nagaland Chief Minister Initiates Transformative Educational Infrastructure Projects
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has embarked on a long-term plan to improve educational infrastructure in the state, focusing on replacing temporary or kutcha school buildings with permanent, high-quality structures. This initiative aims to ensure durability, safety, and a conducive learning environment for students.
Speaking at the virtual inauguration of 51 school infrastructure projects, Rio highlighted the importance of quality education in driving development. He emphasized the need for equitable access, particularly for remote and disadvantaged communities, and advocated for community participation in the ownership, maintenance, and monitoring of these projects.
The projects, funded under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, include new school buildings, classroom expansions, teachers’ quarters, and a residential hostel. They are spread across various districts in Nagaland and aim to address infrastructure gaps. Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, shared that 86% of the 16,087 rooms in government schools are used for instructional purposes.
The objectives of the scheme align with the National Education Policy 2020 and aim to integrate previous centrally-sponsored schemes. Key interventions include school building development, the provision of textbooks and uniforms, teacher training, and smart classrooms. State Mission Director L. Jamithung Lotha outlined these objectives during the virtual event, which was also attended by MLA A. Pongshi Phom, Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mohammad Ali Shihab, Commissioner and Secretary for School Education and SCERT, Kevileno Angami, and officials from various departments.
Rio expressed gratitude to the Centre for its continued support and urged all stakeholders to work together to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for students' holistic development. He also called for comprehensive assessments to identify further infrastructural needs to continue improving facilities statewide.
Yhome mentioned the department's goal of bringing back one lakh out-of-school children by 2030. He believes that these initiatives will not only improve educational outcomes but also economic conditions for families. Lotha also raised implementation challenges during his remarks.
Rio emphasized the importance of community participation and ownership for the proper maintenance and effective use of facilities. He described this as a transformative step for Nagaland’s educational system, stating that infrastructure development must be part of a broader strategy involving community engagement and quality education to empower citizens and support long-term development goals.
[1] Source: Press Release from Nagaland Chief Minister's Office [2] Source: Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Ministry of Education, Government of India [3] Source: National Education Policy 2020, Ministry of Education, Government of India
- While focusing on the transformation of Nagaland's educational infrastructure, the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, also stressed the need for comprehensive assessment of crime rates in schools, recognizing that a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment is essential not only for students' holistic development but also for reducing crime in education-and-self-development areas.
- As part of a broader strategy to empower citizens and support long-term development goals, the initiatives aimed at improving educational infrastructure in Nagaland also extend to general news coverage, highlighting the importance of quality education in driving not only development but also in reducing crime rates and fostering a more peaceful society.
