Kohima: Northeastern states are calling for a dedicated Prime Minister’s Special Financial Package to overhaul regional education. Officials finalized this proposal during the two-day Northeast Education Conclave 2026, which concluded on September 19 at JP Park and Banquets in Chümoukedima, Nagaland.
Sarita Yadav, Secretary of Higher and Technical Education for Nagaland, presented the resolutions. The proposed funding aims to tackle geographical and infrastructure gaps, including digital facilities, laboratories, and teacher training. Officials believe the money will allow schools to translate National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals into opportunities for rural and border students. “A proposal may be considered for a dedicated Prime Minister’s Special Financial Package for the North-Eastern States to support the effective implementation of NEP 2020,” the resolution stated.
The conclave, organized by the Nagaland government and the Union Ministry of Education, focused on shifting from degree-only education to a model that emphasizes professional skills. Anandrao V. Patel, an official from the Union Ministry of Education, urged institutions to utilize platforms like SWAYAM and Samarth. He emphasized that the region must reach a 50 percent Gross Enrolment Ratio by 2035.
Tripura Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman pushed for an approach that leverages local strengths like agriculture, tourism, and bamboo. He argued that the policy must reach students in remote villages to be effective. Barman proposed transforming the regional talent pool, stating, “The Northeast is not the edge of India, the Northeast is a gateway of possibilities for India.”
Delegates resolved to establish skill hubs within existing universities to teach digital technology, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. They also recommended launching one-year postgraduate programs to retain talented students locally. Additionally, the plan includes creating a North-East Knowledge System to document indigenous practices in medicine, language, and architecture.
The group committed to institutionalizing an annual review meeting to track progress. These resolutions will head to the Union Ministry of Education for further review and action.
Updated at 20th September 2026 at 1:49pm
The event drew 748 participants, including ministers, lawmakers, and representatives from central universities, 32 schools, and 16 technical colleges. Officials identified specific gaps in the region, noting that while progress has been made, implementation efforts remain fragmented across states.
Data shared at the event shows 51 percent of regional institutions have adopted the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework. Additionally, 58 percent of schools now follow the National Curriculum Framework, 56 percent have rolled out four-year undergraduate degrees, and 69 percent have implemented the Academic Bank of Credits.
To stop local talent from leaving, the conclave pushed for "brain circulation." This strategy involves leveraging alumni networks, research partnerships, and return-to-region initiatives to keep graduates working within the Northeast. Ministry of Education officials suggested expanding student mobility through credit transfers and multiple entry and exit options, while also encouraging the use of online and open-distance learning to bypass infrastructure shortages.
Participants proposed a new Forum of Ministers to drive educational transformation and requested a formal policy framework for using artificial intelligence in classrooms. State officials confirmed that these resolutions will head to the Union Ministry of Education after local government processing, with a focus on creating a regional roadmap rather than relying on short-term fixes.
Updated at 21st September 2026 at 9:50am
Beyond the primary resolutions, fresh data indicates that 65 percent of regional institutions have now set up dedicated research and development cells, while 47 percent have finalized institutional development plans. Officials are pushing for a transition in how they measure success, moving away from simple coverage metrics to tracking verified learning outcomes among students.
To build a workforce that can actually compete, authorities are pushing colleges to expand industry-linked training. This includes sending students to industrial clusters outside the region for hands-on experience, along with setting up stronger incubation and career counseling programs. Officials are also eyeing regional faculty networks and shared research infrastructure to stop the talent bleed.
Nagaland Higher Education Joint Director Dr. Medongoi Rhakho pushed back against the narrative that the region is failing its rollout of the national policy. He noted that the gathering was specifically designed to identify and plug existing gaps. Additional secretary Lovitoly Sema stressed that the roadmap must reflect the unique culture of the region rather than relying on one-size-fits-all fixes.
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