12 hrs ago
Northeast States Seek Region-Specific Framework for NEP Implementation
Education leaders from Northeast India met in Nagaland to discuss how to apply the National Education Policy 2020.
They said the region needs an approach that fits its hills, languages, cultures and communities.
One proposal was to create different rules for building schools and measuring education in hilly areas.
Leaders also suggested that the eight states meet regularly and work together.
They said students should learn useful skills along with academic subjects.
Technology, artificial intelligence, research and entrepreneurship were identified as important skills.
Speakers also wanted indigenous knowledge and local languages to remain part of education.
They noted that many government schools have fewer students than expected and that more funding is needed.
The meeting aims to develop a shared plan for improving education across the Northeast.
The Northeast Education Conclave 2026 began in Chumoukedima, Nagaland, focusing on implementing NEP 2020 across the region.
Participants called for separate education, infrastructure and assessment norms suited to hilly areas.
Mizoram’s education minister proposed twice-yearly meetings and joint proposals among the Northeast’s eight states.
Speakers highlighted multilingualism, indigenous knowledge, technology, research, innovation and employability as priorities.
Officials also raised concerns about funding, declining government-school enrolment and the possible inclusion of Christian studies in university curricula.
- Who
- Policymakers, education ministers, educators and administrators from Northeast India, including representatives from Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
- What
- They discussed creating a region-specific framework for implementing the National Education Policy 2020.
- Where
- Chumoukedima district, Nagaland.
- When
- The two-day conclave began on September 18, 2026.
- Why
- To address the Northeast’s distinct geographic, cultural and educational challenges and develop a collaborative implementation approach.
Key facts
- Event
- Northeast Education Conclave 2026
- Theme
- Implementation of NEP 2020: Vision, Challenges & Opportunities for the North Eastern states
- Location
- Chumoukedima district, Nagaland
- Regional proposal
- A framework with separate norms and systems for hilly areas
- Coordination proposal
- Northeast education ministers meeting twice a year under the North Eastern Council
- Enrolment concern
- In Nagaland, government schools reportedly make up about 80% of schools but account for about 33% of enrolment
- Funding concern
- A speaker said the mechanism for mobilising the higher investment envisioned under NEP 2020 remains unclear
Quotes
Kishor Barman
Tripura Higher Education and Panchayats Minister
“Northeast India is not a distant corner of India. Northeast India is an important strength of India—in knowledge, culture, innovation and in human resources”
theprint.in
Sources
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