MoS says focus remains on strengthening existing institutions; proposal ‘noted’, no commitment yet
The Centre has acknowledged Nagaland’s demand for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) but has not provided any timeline or assurance, stating instead that its current focus is on strengthening existing higher education institutions.
The response was shared by Lok Sabha Member of Parliament S Supongmeren Jamir, who had raised the issue during Zero Hour on December 4, 2025, regarding the allotment of land for setting up an IIT in the state.
In an official communication, Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region, Dr Sukanta Majumdar, stated that the proposal for an IIT in Nagaland, received on January 1, 2025, has been “duly noted,” adding that further developments would be communicated in due course.
The Ministry, however, indicated that priority is currently being given to strengthening and expanding existing institutions in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), with an emphasis on multidisciplinary and quality education.
It pointed out that Nagaland already hosts centrally funded institutions such as Nagaland University and the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Nagaland.
The response also highlighted ongoing investments in the state’s higher education sector under various central schemes. 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 improving access, equity, and excellence in higher education.
Additionally, under different phases of the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), 39 projects have been sanctioned for Nagaland, with a total allocation of Rs 254.06 crore, including a central share of Rs 229.57 crore.
The Ministry further stated that a central share of Rs 130.46 crore has already been released to the state under PM-USHA as of March 25, 2026.
While outlining these measures, the response did not indicate any concrete decision on the establishment of an IIT in Nagaland.
