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.
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