Schools in Nagaland prepare for launch of NEP 2020 in 2025, SLEC announces changes

The State Level Education Committee (SLEC) of Nagaland has announced its decision to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in government and private schools from the academic year 2025. The recent SLEC meeting, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also oversees the School Education and SCERT departments, resulted in several key decisions, according to Friday’s School Education Department report.

Among the key resolutions, the committee approved the adoption of the NEP’s 5+3+3+4 education structure, which would reform the state’s education system from 2025 onwards. In addition to the NEP implementation, the SLEC emphasized the need for private schools to seek formal approval from the Education Department and be managed by registered associations.

The SLEC also took steps to improve infrastructure by approving the elevation of six government secondary schools to high schools in Kohima, Dimapur and Mon districts. In addition, it authorized upgrades of a government primary school in Ikishe village to a secondary school.

To improve efficiency, the committee approved the merger of 16 middle and high school classes and authorized the integration of 20 primary and secondary schools. To address schools with declining enrollments, 17 primary schools with zero students, including nine in the Peren district, will close and teachers will be transferred to nearby institutions.

Furthermore, the SLEC approved the demotion of 54 secondary schools to primary schools and 13 secondary schools to high schools, with redeployment of teachers if necessary. The school closures and reductions in districts such as Zunheboto, Peren and Kiphire are intended to consolidate resources and address low enrollment. However, the committee noted possible improvements in the future as student numbers increase.

In addition, the SLEC has given the go-ahead for the establishment of the Nagaland Education Service to develop a structured framework for educational improvement and approved plans to establish a State School Standards Authority (SSSA) along with the Nagaland State Quality Assessment and Accreditation Framework (SQAAF).

Efforts are also underway to establish committees to address staffing needs, including the conversion of vacancies for essential positions, with support from the Human Resources, Administrative Reforms and Finance departments.

(With PTI inputs)