Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday virtually laid the foundation stones for nine new Lighthouse School Complexes (LSCs) across the state, calling it part of “significant reforms” taking place in the education sector under the “Nagaland Education Project – The Lighthouse (NECTAR).”
Speaking at the launch event held at CMRC, Kohima, the Chief Minister said he was “happy to witness the progress of the Lighthouse School Complexes (LSCs)” and commended the Department of School Education and the NECTAR project for “innovative work which aims to transform classrooms and teaching methods and overall, reform the entire ecosystem of schools in the State.”
Rio emphasized the importance of foundational education, stating that “Primary Schools lay the foundation of education for students,” and added that through new initiatives, “students from the state can perform and compete with others from within and outside the State.”
The LSCs, which are envisioned as model schools serving as academic hubs for nearby ‘spoke’ schools, aim to bring holistic learning, community engagement, and innovation. According to the CM, these complexes will focus on inclusivity, local knowledge, sustainability, and special needs education.
He also thanked the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and funding partners for their “continued support and partnership.”
The nine new LSCs whose foundation stones were laid virtually are: GHSS Medziphema Town, Chümoukedima; GHSS Phek Town, Phek; GHS Sitimi Town, Kiphire; GHSS Satakha, Zunheboto; GHS Chessore, Shamator; GHS Noklak Village, Noklak; Bautung GHSS Longleng; NI Jamir GHSS, Mokokchung; and GHSS Dimapur, Dimapur.
Earlier on December 1, 2024, Rio had laid the foundation stones of seven other Lighthouse School Complexes: GHS Angjangyang, Mon; GHSS Kigwema, Kohima; GHSS Niuland; GHSS Peren; GHSS Tseminyu; GHSS Tuensang; and GHSS Wokha.
Giving a departmental overview, Shashank Pratap Singh, IAS, Principal Director of the School Education Department, outlined several ongoing initiatives under NECTAR, including the SMILE App and upskilling programs for departmental employees.
A total of Rs 198.57 crore has been earmarked for constructing the 16 LSCs, which are being built under World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards to ensure minimal adverse impact and promote sustainable development.
With foundational work underway in all districts, the government says the NECTAR Engineering Team is closely monitoring progress to ensure timely and high-quality implementation.