Dimapur, April 25 (MExN): The Government of India has stated that its current focus is on strengthening and expanding existing institutions and aligning them with the National Education Policy (NEP) to promote multidisciplinary and high-quality education.
This was stated in the official response received from Dr Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, regarding the establishment and strengthening of higher educational infrastructure in Nagaland.
The response, shared by Nagaland’s Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) S Supongmeren Jamir, came in reply to the matter raised during Zero Hour on December 4, 2025, concerning the allotment of land for the establishment of an IIT in Nagaland.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), a total outlay of Rs 1,292.16 crore has been approved for the period 2023–24 to 2025–26, aimed at enhancing access, equity, and excellence in higher education. As of March 25, 2026, a central share of Rs 130.46 crore has been released to the state under this scheme.
Under various phases of the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), 39 projects have been approved for Nagaland with a total allocation of Rs 254.06 crore, including a central share of Rs 229.57 crore.
The Ministry highlighted that Nagaland already hosts two key centrally funded institutions, Nagaland University and the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Nagaland, and that the government's priority is to align these institutions with the National Education Policy (NEP) to promote multidisciplinary and high-quality education.
On the demand for an IIT in Nagaland, the Ministry acknowledged receipt of a formal request dated January 1, 2025, stating it has been “duly noted” and that further developments would be communicated in due course.
MP Jamir, while sharing the official communication, underscored that the demand for a premier institution like an IIT in Nagaland remains a matter of “critical importance for the youth and future development of the State,” and affirmed that continued efforts would be made to pursue the issue at the highest level.
