MP Supongmeren Jamir raises concern in Lok Sabha over long-delayed IISER project for Nagaland

DIMAPUR — Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) S Supongmeren Jamir on Thursday urged the Centre to revive the stalled proposal for establishing an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in the state.

Raising the matter during the Lok Sabha proceedings, Jamir recalled that the IISER for Nagaland was announced by the then Union Finance Minister, the late Arun Jaitley, in the Union Budget for 2015–16.

He informed the House that around 200 acres of land had already been acquired near Dimapur Airport soon after the announcement, chosen for its accessibility to air and rail networks including the Dhansiri–Southeast Railway line.

Despite this preparatory work, Jamir said that no further steps have been taken to operationalise the institute, leaving the project dormant.

Also read: MP Supongmeren Jamir flags ‘alarming’ staff shortage at Akashvani and Doordarshan in Kohima

Nagaland FPS dealers demand dues, accuse department of deductions; warn of supply disruption

He appealed to the government of India to urgently reconsider and prioritise the establishment of the IISER, noting that Nagaland’s special constitutional provisions under Article 371A should also guide such decisions.

He stressed that setting up the institute is essential not only for higher scientific education but also for balanced development in the Northeast.

Describing the IISER as a cornerstone for fostering scientific temper and developing high-quality human resources, he said its establishment would contribute significantly to the “all-around development” of Nagaland.

Meanwhile, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee commended the MP for raising the issue, and urged the Centre to act without delay and fulfil what it described as a long-pending commitment to the people of the state.