Dimapur, Jun 20 (PTI) Nagaland Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along, on Saturday, said the education system is undergoing a major transformation under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, stressing that learning must go beyond acquiring academic knowledge to creating a meaningful impact on society.
Addressing the Institutional Excellence Award 2026, the flagship programme of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) at Dimapur Town Hall, Along said education must transform not only institutions but also people, values and society.
“Education is not reformative. Education is transformative. It equips a person to face the challenges of life not only for oneself but also for the community, the society, the state and the nation,” he said.
Warning that rapid technological advancements will reshape the employment landscape, Along said nearly 80 per cent of the jobs that exist today may disappear within the next two decades.
He observed that many conventional posts, including clerical positions, would become obsolete, while teachers who fail to adapt to artificial intelligence and digital teaching methods risk falling behind their students.
“We do not want to move away from the stereotypes we have inherited. We want to remain stuck in the past instead of becoming a transformative society,” he said, urging educators and students to embrace innovation and continuously upgrade their skills.
Calling for collective responsibility to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the minister said Nagaland’s progress would depend on individuals taking ownership of their responsibilities rather than relying on others.
He maintained that education must have a direct impact on communities if the state is to witness sustainable growth.
Congratulating the award recipients, Along said the recognition marked only the beginning of their journey and urged them to focus on making meaningful contributions instead of seeking accolades.
Responding to the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) demand for completion of the hostel at Kohima Science College, Along clarified that the project was neither a state nor a central government initiative but was funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
He explained that the government had limited authority over the project as implementation depended on the CSR agency and the implementing organisation.
The minister also appreciated USTM for expanding educational opportunities in Nagaland and thanked the university for recognising academic excellence in the state.
During the programme, USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque announced exclusive scholarships for 50 meritorious students from Nagaland, including 10 full scholarships, 15 students with 50 per cent tuition fee waivers, and 25 students receiving a monthly scholarship of Rs 2,000. PTI CORR NBS NBS RG
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