Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio virtually inaugurates 51 new school infrastructure projects across Nagaland

DIMAPUR — In a significant move to strengthen the education sector in Nagaland, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday virtually inaugurated 51 school infrastructure projects funded under Samagra Shiksha.

Speaking at the inauguration programme held at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex in Kohima, Rio described the occasion as an important step in the ongoing effort to improve educational infrastructure.

According to a DIPR update, the chief minister extended his gratitude to the government of India for its continued support and commended the efforts of the Samagra Shiksha team led by State Mission Director L Jamithung Lotha.

He noted that many school facilities in the state remain temporary and emphasised the need to have permanent structures built with quality workmanship. While appreciating the department of School Education for its consistent improvements despite challenges, he urged the department to conduct a comprehensive study to identify needs and priorities.

Despite the difficult geographical terrain, particularly in remote areas, Rio said that the state was making steady progress in transforming school infrastructure.

He underscored the crucial role of community participation, stating that good infrastructure alone is not enough. He called on communities to take ownership of the facilities provided by the government to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilisation.

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Highlighting the importance of quality education, Rio said that it is central to development, empowering citizens, driving economic progress, and creating opportunities. He stressed that education also plays a vital role in shaping responsible citizens and building a better Nagaland.

Rio called for collective efforts to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for students’ holistic development.

Addressing the gathering, Advisor for School Education and SCERT Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome shared that out of 16,087 rooms across government schools, 13,767 rooms, or 86%, are used for instructional purposes, while the remaining serve as laboratories, libraries, and teachers’ rooms.

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He explained that classrooms are categorised into four groups: those in good condition, those requiring major repair, those needing minor repair, and dilapidated ones. He also noted that schools are further classified as pucca, partially pucca, or kutcha structures.

Dr. Yhome stated that funding from Samagra Shiksha has been instrumental in addressing infrastructure gaps. He added that the department aims to bring back about one lakh students to the school system by 2030, which would improve livelihoods and ease financial burdens on families.

He expressed hope that improved infrastructure would boost enrolment in government schools.

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In his introductory remarks, State Mission Director L. Jamithung Lotha provided an overview of Samagra Shiksha. He highlighted key interventions under the scheme, including school infrastructure development, provision of free textbooks and uniforms, teacher training, and smart classrooms.

He also raised several challenges faced during implementation.

The virtual inauguration covered 15 new school buildings, additional classrooms in 17 schools, 18 teachers’ quarters, and one residential hostel spread across the state. The event was also attended by MLA A Pongshi Phom, Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister Mohammad Ali Shihab, and officials from line departments.