Nagaland’s literacy among India’s best, Rio credits teachers

CM urges renewed commitment to education, unveils series of reforms

KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday urged teachers across Nagaland to nurture curiosity, critical thinking and compassion among students so they grow into responsible citizens, capable leaders and good human beings.

He was addressing the State Level Teachers’ Day celebration at NBCC Convention Hall, Kohima.

Saluting teachers, Rio extended greetings to all who continue to guide society on the path of knowledge and progress. He expressed gratitude for their invaluable service in inspiring hope and transforming lives.

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Recalling that Teachers’ Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, one of India’s most celebrated philosophers, educationists and the second President of India, he referred to Dr. Radhakrishnan’s belief that teachers should be “the best minds in the country.”

Rio asserted that teachers are the backbone of the education system and guiding lights for children. Their dedication, patience and commitment, he said, have touched countless lives and inspired generations to dream big, work hard and serve society with integrity.

“Today is not only a day to honour you but also to reflect on the value of education and the crucial role you play in nation-building,” he added.

The chief minister pointed out that when Nagaland attained statehood in 1963, the literacy rate was just 21.95%—among the lowest in the country. Today, the state has emerged as India’s third most literate at 95.7%, behind only Kerala and Mizoram, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-24.

This achievement, he said, reflects the tireless efforts of teachers, educationists and policymakers.

He further highlighted that Nagaland has a pupil-teacher ratio of 13:1, compared to the national average of 21:1, while in government schools it is as low as 7:1—one of the lowest in the country.

This, he said, is a strength the state must leverage by creating personalised learning environments with modern methodologies and skills.

At present, Nagaland has 2,734 schools, 32,801 teachers and 4,10,389 school-going children.

Rio also expressed delight at the progress of the School Leadership Academy of Nagaland (SLAN), set up in 2023 to spearhead in-service teacher training and leadership development. It is now mandatory for school heads to undergo training, he informed, urging all teachers and administrators to take these opportunities seriously.

He reminded that the National Council for School Leadership, New Delhi, has awarded the Leadership Academy of Nagaland the Certificate of Excellence for two consecutive years, an achievement he said was a matter of pride.

Taking forward the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Rio said that Nagaland is introducing major reforms.

The Nagaland State Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage Education (NSCFSE) is now ready, and the Systems for Outstanding Achievements and Reformation (SOAR) Mission has been launched to bring global standards into curriculum, teaching, assessment and school management.

The state is also in the process of institutionalising the Nagaland State School Standards Authority (NSSSA), mandated under the NEP, to regulate quality benchmarks in schools. To guide this effort, the Nagaland School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (NSQAAF) is being drafted.

Another initiative being explored is the introduction of music education at the elementary level in convergence with the Department of TaFMA. Recognising Nagaland’s musical talent, Rio said that the move will expose students to a globally benchmarked acoustic curriculum and open new creative avenues.

In line with NEP 2020, Nagaland is also working to promote mother-tongue-based education.

The government, in collaboration with Nagaland University, is developing and standardising tribal languages, certifying language teachers and producing literature. Rio added that the School Education department is converging with the department of Social Welfare to better align foundational stage education.

Acknowledging teachers as the guiding light for children—the future of society—he called for a renewed commitment to strengthen the teaching profession and ensure quality education for every child in Nagaland.

The celebration also featured speeches by Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, MLA and Advisor for School Education and SCERT, and R Masakui Rungsung, Consul General of India in Vancouver, Canada.

On the occasion, Rio presented the State Teachers’ Award and launched ‘Mission SOAR Nagaland.’ The introduction of music in elementary schools, in partnership with Yamaha Inc., was also announced.

The Award for Excellence in School Safety Policy Compliance was presented to Government Middle School Dobagaon, GMS Naga New Model Sumi, St. Joseph School Tuensang, and The Vineyard, Kohima.