Nagaland holds Education Conclave 2026 to strengthen NEP 2020 implementation in Northeast

Nagaland brought together higher education policymakers, educators and administrators from across the Northeast for the Education Conclave 2026, with discussions centered on translating the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 into effective implementation across the region.

The Department of Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, inaugurated the conclave on Sept 18 at JP Park & Banquets in Naga United Village, Chumoukedima. The event was organized around the theme, "Implementation of NEP 2020: Vision, Challenges and Opportunities for the North Eastern States."

The conclave focused on the common challenges faced by the northeastern states in adapting the national policy to their institutional and regional contexts.

Discussions covered higher education infrastructure, quality improvement, funding, research, governance and the need for stronger cooperation among states.

Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Government of Nagaland, said the gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen the reach and understanding of NEP 2020 across the state.

Along thanked delegates who traveled from different districts to participate in the event and said their presence reflected a shared commitment to developing a common approach toward implementing the policy.

He also called for both positive and critical thinking during the discussions. The minister said he expected the deliberations to lead to a comprehensive and clear resolution that could guide further action.

The inaugural session was chaired by Sarita Yadav, IAS, Secretary of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Nagaland. She outlined several challenges confronting higher education institutions as they work to implement NEP 2020 in the Northeast.

Yadav pointed to gaps in Nagaland's higher education infrastructure and said institutional capacity would need to be expanded through the establishment of new colleges and universities as well as the strengthening of existing institutions.

Quality improvement was identified as another key area. This would require stronger teacher training, improved assessment systems and greater focus on research and innovation, according to the discussions.

The implementation of decentralized governance under NEP 2020 was also highlighted. The approach would require greater devolution of authority to state governments and educational institutions, along with coordination mechanisms involving different stakeholders.

Yadav also emphasized the need to shift toward learner-centered education. Such a transition would involve changes in the approach of students, teachers and administrators, along with the adoption of updated teaching and learning methods.

Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Jagadish K Patnaik called for an education transformation in the Northeast that takes into account the region's specific circumstances while remaining inclusive and aligned with NEP 2020.

Delivering the keynote address, Patnaik outlined the policy's focus on accessibility, equity, quality, flexibility and multilingualism, along with holistic development through knowledge, skills and values.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening indigenous knowledge and integrating it into academic systems. He also called for greater technological proficiency to improve skills and prepare students for changing educational and employment requirements.

Funding emerged as a major concern during the discussions. Patnaik noted that NEP 2020 envisages a substantial increase in investment in education, while questions remain about how the required resources will be mobilized.

He said the Northeast has the potential to develop into a model of contextual, inclusive and knowledge-driven educational transformation. He emphasized that the region needs to move beyond formally adopting the policy and focus on adapting its implementation to local requirements.

Patnaik also stressed the importance of cooperation among the northeastern states to support the implementation process.

The conclave included addresses by special invitees, including Kishor Barman, Minister of Higher Education and Panchayats and GA, Government of Tripura; Mutchu Mithi, MLA-cum-Advisor to HME, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; and Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Minister for Higher Education, School Education, Tribal & IT.

The discussions are expected to contribute to a collaborative framework among the northeastern states. The proposed framework could facilitate the sharing of best practices, institutional resources and expertise across the region.

The states could also work together to mentor institutions involved in implementing NEP 2020 through capacity-building initiatives developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The conclave therefore placed the focus on moving from policy adoption to practical implementation, with participants examining how the Northeast can strengthen its higher education systems while addressing regional infrastructure, funding, governance and capacity-building requirements.