In a significant move to strengthen the education sector in Nagaland, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on August 2 virtually inaugurated 51 school infrastructure funded under Samagra Shiksha.
Speaking at the inauguration programme, held at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima, Rio stated that it was a significant step in the ongoing journey to strengthen education infrastructure while extending his gratitude to the Government of India for the continued support. He also commended the efforts of the Samagra Shiksha team led by the State Mission Director, L Jamithung Lotha.
The chief minister lamented that many of the infrastructures in the state remain temporary and underscored the urgent need for permanent structures with quality workmanship. While appreciating the department of School Education for their constant improvement despite challenges, he asked the department to conduct a comprehensive study and bring out their needs and requirements.
Despite the difficult geographical terrain of the state, especially the remote parts, Rio stated that the state was making consistent progress to transform the infrastructures. Highlighting the crucial role of community participation, he noted that good infrastructure alone was not enough, and asked the community to come forward and take ownership of the infrastructures provided by the government, to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilisation.
Stressing on the importance of quality education, Rio stated that it is at the core of development, which empowers the citizens, drives economic progress, opens up opportunities and makes a society prosper. He also highlighted the significance of education in creating responsible citizens for a better Nagaland. He called for a collective effort to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for students’ holistic development.
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Speaking at the event, MLA and advisor for School Education & SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, informed that of the 16,087 rooms across government schools, 13,767 rooms or 86% are used for instructional purposes. The rest are used as laboratories, libraries, and teachers’ rooms, etc. He also informed that those rooms are categorised into four categories: rooms in good condition; rooms that require major repair; rooms that require minor repair and dilapidated. He added that the schools are further divided into pucca structures, partially-pucca structures and kutcha structures.
The MLA stated that the funding from Samagra Shiksha has provided significant assistance in meeting the requirement of school buildings. Yhome said the officers of the department are working hard towards the goal of Viksit Bharat and outlined the department’s goal to bring back about one lakh students to their school system by 2030, which will improve their livelihoods as well as provide financial relief. The MLA hoped that through better infrastructure, the enrolment of students in government schools will improve.
In his introductory address, State Mission Director L. Jamithung Lotha provided an overview of Samagra Shiksha, an overarching scheme for school education from pre-primary to secondary level, which is LKG to class XII. He noted that the scheme integrates earlier programmes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE), in line with the National Education Policy 2020. He informed that some of the key interventions under the scheme include school infrastructure development; providing free textbooks, uniforms; teachers’ training and smart classrooms. Lotha stated that the state has made substantial strides in addressing the schooling system over the years. He also raised various issues and concerns faced in implementing the scheme.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Commissioner & Secretary School Education & SCERT, Kevileno Angami, appreciated the chief minister for the guidance and continual support. She also acknowledged all those involved who contributed to the successful implementation of the projects.
The virtual inauguration of the 51 school infrastructure included 15 new school buildings, additional classrooms in 17 schools, 18 teachers’ quarters and 1 residential hostel spread across the state. The event was also attended by MLA, A Pongshi Phom; Commissioner & Secretary to Chief Minister, Mohammad Ali Shihab and officials from line departments.
