Nagaland has submitted a proposal to the Centre for setting up an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in the State, while proposals for two Centres of Excellence in horticulture are also under process, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said.
In his Independence Day address on Saturday, Rio said the State Government had submitted a comprehensive proposal to the Ministry of Education for establishment of an IIT in Nagaland.
The IIT proposal comes alongside efforts to develop specialised institutions in sectors where Nagaland has economic potential. Rio said proposals were under process for a Centre of Excellence for kiwifruit at Pfutsero in Phek district and another for Dendrobium (orchid) at the State Horticulture Nursery in Chümoukedima.
Rio had earlier indicated that Nagaland would submit a proposal for an IIT while presenting the State’s priorities at the 73rd plenary of the North Eastern Council in June.
The latest announcement places the IIT proposal alongside the State’s wider efforts to expand educational and specialised training opportunities and develop sectors with potential for employment and economic activity.
However, the IIT proposal is still at the proposal stage, while the two Centres of Excellence are under process. No approval from the Centre for establishment of an IIT was announced in the Independence Day address.