Nagaland Lok Sabha MP S. Supongmeren Jamir on Thursday flagged the prolonged delay in setting up an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in the state, a project first announced in the Union Budget 2015–16 by the then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Jamir said the Centre had made a “landmark commitment” a decade ago to strengthen science and research infrastructure in Nagaland, but the project has remained stalled despite key preparatory steps being completed.
He informed the House that nearly 200 acres of land had already been acquired near Dimapur Airport, a site chosen for its proximity to air and rail links, including the Dhansiri–Southeast Railway line. “Even after the acquisition was completed years ago, no further action has been taken,” he noted, calling the inaction a setback for the state’s youth and the wider North-East.
The MP urged the Union government to revive the proposal and prioritize the establishment of the institute. He contextualized the appeal within the special constitutional provisions for Nagaland under Article 371A, arguing that institutions of national importance are essential for balanced regional development.
Jamir said an IISER in Nagaland would play a pivotal role in developing scientific talent, promoting research, and driving long-term economic growth in the region. He described the project as “critical for the all-round development of Nagaland and the North-East.”
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) later issued a statement commending the MP for raising the matter and urged the Centre to “act without further delay” to fulfil the pending commitment.