Nagaland 3rd in literacy, CM Rio lauds teachers, rolls out reforms

Nagaland has emerged as India’s third most literate state with a literacy rate of 95.7 percent, chief minister Neiphiu Rio stated Friday while addressing the State-level Teacher’s Day programme at NBCC Convention Hall, Kohima.
Stating this, Dr Rio informed that the figure was based on the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24, placing Nagaland behind only Kerala and Mizoram. He credited the achievement to the dedication of teachers, educationists, and policymakers who have strengthened the state’s education system.
On the occasion, he lauded teachers as the backbone of Nagaland’s education system and added that their dedication has shaped generations and contributed to nation-building.
The chief minister also underlined the remarkable progress Nagaland has made in education while announcing new initiatives to strengthen the system.
He recalled that at the time of statehood in 1963, Nagaland’s literacy rate was only 21.95 percent, among the lowest in the country. Today, with a literacy rate of 95.7 percent, Nagaland stands among the top three states in India.
On the occasion, Rio announced several key initiatives of the government to reform the education system in the State.
Rio stated that the Nagaland State Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage Education (NSCFSE) was now ready, while the government would shortly launch the Systems for Outstanding Achievements and Reformation (SOAR) Mission, a partnership programme aimed at bringing global standards into curriculum, teaching, assessment and school management.
He said the State was also in the process of institutionalising the Nagaland State School Standards Authority (NSSSA), mandated under the National Education Policy 2020, which would serve as a regulatory authority to ensure quality benchmarks in schools. To guide this effort, the Nagaland School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (NSQAAF) was being drafted, he added.
Rio further informed that another key initiative being explored was the introduction of music education at the elementary level in convergence with the Department of TaFMA to provide students exposure to a globally benchmarked acoustic curriculum and open avenues for creative growth.
He also stressed that in line with the National Education Policy 2020, promotion of mother-tongue-based education had been prioritised, with the government collaborating with Nagaland University for development and standardisation of tribal languages, certification of language teachers and production of literature.
He further mentioned that the Department of School Education was pioneering a convergence approach with the Department of Social Welfare to align foundational stage education more effectively.
Rio recalled that when Nagaland attained statehood in 1963, the literacy rate was 21.95%, among the lowest in the country. He pointed out that Nagaland today has a pupil-teacher ratio of 13:1 against the national average of 21:1, while in government schools it is as low as 7:1. With 2,734 schools, 32,801 teachers and 4,10,389 students, Rio said the healthy ratio must be leveraged to create personalised learning environments with modern teaching methods.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress of the School Leadership Academy of Nagaland (SLAN), set up in 2023, Rio said it has become a key institution for in-service teacher training and leadership development. School heads are now required to undergo training, and the academy has twice received the Certificate of Excellence from the National Council for School Leadership, New Delhi.
Emphasising alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4, NEP 2020, the NIPUN Bharat Mission, and UNESCO’s Education 2030 Agenda, Rio urged teachers to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion among students. He called for a collective commitment to ensure every child in Nagaland receives quality education and grows into a responsible citizen and capable leader.
Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Nagaland, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, paid tribute to teachers on the occasion. He said the New Education Policy 2020 has opened an exciting phase, with the state under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio set to upscale and redesign many programmes.
Yhome outlined three pillars of school education— infrastructure, governance, and school ecosystem. While acknowledging that infrastructure needs further improvement, he noted ongoing progress. On governance, he stressed the importance of efficient teacher management, administration, and coordination between directorates and field officers. He also emphasised curriculum development and continuous teacher learning to strengthen the ecosystem.
He reiterated the department’s commitment to ensure that no child, whether in urban centres or remote villages, is left behind in access to quality education.
Consul General of India in Vancouver, Canada, Masakui Rungsung, described teachers as the cornerstone of society who impart knowledge, ignite curiosity and nurture young minds. He said in a fast-changing, technology-driven world, teachers were not only instructors but also mentors and motivators, whose patience and dedication deserved the highest respect.
The programme also witnessed the launching of “Mission SOAR, Nagaland” and the introduction of music in elementary education with Yamaha Inc. Recognition of Excellence in School Safety (SSB Phase 2) was conferred on Government Middle School Dobagaon, Government Middle School Naga New Model Sumi, St. Joseph’s School Tuensang Town and The Vineyard Kohima.
Teachers’ State Award 2025 was presented to K. Nzanbeni Lotha, Avilhou Sokra, Mary Hangsing, L. Tsulongthong, Shumei Antony, Rhoshutho, Imojungla, Nafisa Ali, John Konyak, Agwamlie Poireng, Dr. Bijay Kumar Mishra, M. Chibeni Humtsoe and M. Samuel Sema.
Earlier, secretary CEDOK & vice president, ANPSA Father Jacob Charalel invoked blessings, Kevileno Angami commissioner & secretary School Education & SCERT delivered the welcome address, while Kikruneinuo Liezietsu and Nelson Yhokha chaired the programme.
The programme was attended by a host of ministers, advisors, MLAs and other dignitaries. Dreamz Unlimited also performed a short play – ‘The Lighter Side of Schooling History’.