Dimapur: The first North East Education Conclave on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, held in Chumoukedima, Nagaland, has called for greater support from both state governments and the Centre to address infrastructure gaps affecting the policy’s implementation across the region.
The two-day conclave, which concluded on Saturday, brought together academicians, policymakers and education ministers from the northeastern states to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing NEP 2020 and to formulate a roadmap for the region.
One of the key proposals emerging from the discussions was the creation of a dedicated forum of education ministers from the Northeast to coordinate efforts and drive educational reforms across the region.
The conclave also highlighted the need for greater cooperation among northeastern states, noting that the region faces several education-related challenges that require approaches tailored to its specific circumstances.
Participants called for a shift from measuring educational progress merely through programme coverage to assessing verified learning outcomes among students.
The resolutions adopted at the conclave cover areas including educational infrastructure, teacher recruitment, teacher training, school education, higher education and technical education. These recommendations are expected to be submitted to the Centre for necessary action.
Held under the theme “Implementation of NEP 2020: Vision, Challenges and Opportunities for the North Eastern States,” the conclave focused on developing practical strategies for the effective implementation of the policy across the region.
Addressing the valedictory session as chief guest, Tripura Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman described the conclave as the beginning of a new phase in the region’s education sector rather than an endpoint.
Barman said the effectiveness of NEP 2020 would ultimately be determined by the changes it brings to students, including those living in remote areas. He also stressed that education should go beyond producing graduates for employment and focus on developing problem-solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs and responsible citizens.
Meanwhile, Anandrao V Patel, Additional Secretary in the Union Education Ministry, highlighted the potential of NEP 2020 to transform higher education and create greater opportunities for young people in the Northeast.
Patel called for common standards and stronger academic interaction among students across the region. He said better coordination between educational institutions could facilitate the exchange of ideas, wider access to academic resources and greater exposure to opportunities available across the Northeast.
He also urged state governments to strengthen connections among universities, colleges, research institutions and students, enabling young people from the region to participate more fully in the wider national education ecosystem.
Patel said the Northeast has significant potential to contribute to the country’s education landscape and could emerge as an important hub for learning, cultural exchange and knowledge development.
He assured that the Centre would extend all possible support for the successful implementation of NEP 2020 in the northeastern states.