DIMAPUR, MAY 18 (NPN): Nagaland governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Monday chaired separate high-level review meetings on the state’s education and tourism sectors, stressing the need to strengthen learning outcomes, governance and sustainable tourism infrastructure while reviewing key initiatives, achievements and future plans.
According to a DIPR report, the meetings were held at the Naga Bhavan Conference Hall, Lok Bhavan, Kohima, where officials from both departments apprised the governor on ongoing programmes, challenges and developmental strategies.
During the review of the school education department, officials presented the current status of school education in the state, including governance structures, student enrolment trends, teacher strength and initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes and strengthening the education system.
The meeting reviewed reforms being undertaken to strengthen data-driven governance through the Education Management Information System (EMIS), along with implementation of schemes such as free distribution of textbooks, uniforms and notebooks for students in government schools and the PM POSHAN programme to improve student nutrition and attendance.
Progress under the Nagaland Education Project – The Lighthouse (NECTAR), a World Bank-supported initiative, was also reviewed. Officials highlighted efforts to strengthen school governance, teacher professional development, digital learning systems and community participation in education. The governor stressed the need to improve learning outcomes, strengthen school governance and ensure effective implementation of educational programmes across the state.
Senior officials from the directorate of school education, Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Samagra Shiksha and NECTAR attended the meeting and presented updates on various reforms and programmes.
At a separate meeting, the tourism department presented an overview of its major initiatives, achievements and future plans to promote eco-tourism, cultural tourism and community-based tourism in the state.
Secretary tourism Nchumbemo Lotha briefed the governor on ongoing tourism development activities and highlighted Nagaland’s potential as a tourism destination known for its tribal heritage, biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
Officials highlighted several major tourist attractions including Dzukou Valley, Khonoma Green Village, Mount Saramati and Diezephe Craft Village.
The department also highlighted the success of community-based tourism initiatives in villages such as Khonoma and Dzuleke, where conservation and tourism activities have generated livelihood opportunities for local communities.
According to officials, Nagaland received around 2.25 lakh domestic tourists annually, while international tourist arrivals ranged between 2,000 and 5,000 visitors each year.
The meeting reviewed infrastructure development projects being undertaken under State Plan, DoNER/NEC schemes and the Ministry of Tourism’s Swadesh Darshan initiative, including tourism facility upgrades at Kisama Heritage Village, eco-tourism projects and tourist amenity centres across several districts.
Future plans discussed included development of iconic tourist centres, promotion of homestay programmes and proposed ropeway connectivity between Kisama Heritage Village and Dzukou Valley, as well as at Doyang Reservoir.
Acknowledging the state’s tourism potential, officials also highlighted challenges such as infrastructure gaps, connectivity issues and the need for stronger digital promotion strategies.
The governor appreciated the department’s efforts in promoting sustainable and community-based tourism and encouraged continued initiatives to strengthen tourism infrastructure and showcase Nagaland’s cultural and natural heritage to a wider audience.
