Kohima: In a major boost to Nagaland’s education sector, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio virtually inaugurated 51 school infrastructure projects under the Samagra Shiksha scheme on Saturday.
The inaugural programme was held at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Rio described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen and transform educational infrastructure. He extended his gratitude to the Government of India for its continued support and appreciated the Samagra Shiksha team led by State Mission Director L. Jamithung Lotha for their dedicated efforts.
The Chief Minister emphasised the urgent need to replace temporary school structures with permanent ones built to high standards of quality. While commending the Department of School Education for its ongoing improvements despite numerous challenges, he urged the Department to conduct a comprehensive study to assess and address further infrastructural needs.
Dr. Rio pointed out that despite Nagaland’s challenging terrain and remote locations, the state is making steady progress in improving school facilities. He called for greater community participation, underlining that infrastructure alone is not enough unless local communities take ownership to ensure maintenance and proper utilisation.
Highlighting the importance of quality education, Rio urged all stakeholders to work collectively to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for the holistic development of students, helping shape responsible citizens for a better Nagaland.
Speaking at the programme, Advisor for School Education & SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, provided an overview of the current status of school infrastructure in the state. He informed that out of 16,087 rooms in government schools, 86% are used for instructional purposes, while the rest serve as laboratories, libraries, or staff rooms. These buildings are categorised into four conditions: good, minor repair, major repair, and dilapidated, and are classified as pucca, partially-pucca, or kutcha structures.
Dr. Yhome noted that Samagra Shiksha has significantly contributed to addressing the state’s infrastructure requirements and outlined the Department’s ambitious goal of bringing back one lakh students to the school system by 2030.
In his introductory address, State Mission Director L. Jamithung Lotha gave an overview of Samagra Shiksha, an integrated scheme covering school education from pre-primary to class XII. He highlighted that the scheme combines the earlier Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. Lotha outlined key interventions such as infrastructure development, free textbooks and uniforms, teachers’ training, and smart classrooms, while also flagging implementation challenges.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Commissioner & Secretary for School Education & SCERT, Kevileno Angami, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his unwavering support and guidance. She also acknowledged the efforts of everyone involved in successfully completing the projects.
The newly inaugurated infrastructure includes 15 new school buildings, additional classrooms in 17 schools, 18 teachers’ quarters, and one residential hostel, spread across various districts of Nagaland. The event was also attended by MLA A. Pongshi Phom, Commissioner & Secretary to the Chief Minister Mohammad Ali Shihab, IAS, along with officials from various departments.
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