Assam Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu attended the inaugural session of the Education Conclave 2026 in Chümoukedima, Nagaland, on September 18. The two-day event brought together education ministers, policymakers, academics and representatives from across the Northeast.
The conclave focused on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the region. Organisers chose the theme, “Implementation of NEP 2020: Vision, Challenges & Opportunities for the Northeastern States.”
The event provided a platform for northeastern states to discuss common challenges and explore ways to adapt national education reforms to the region’s diverse social, cultural and geographical conditions.
Education Ministers Join the Discussion
Several ministers and senior representatives attended the inaugural session alongside Pegu. They included Mizoram Education Minister Dr Vanlalthlana, Tripura Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman and Arunachal Pradesh MLA and Adviser to the Higher and Technical Education Minister Mutchu Mithi.
Nagaland Higher Education and Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along also participated in the programme. The presence of representatives from multiple northeastern states highlighted the regional focus of the conclave.
The organisers aim to use the conclave to encourage greater cooperation between the eight northeastern states. The discussions cover policy implementation, institutional development, skills, research and other areas of education.
Pegu Highlights Mother-Tongue Education
During the discussion, Ranoj Pegu highlighted the importance of NEP 2020 for the Northeast. He pointed to the region’s diverse tribal communities and rich linguistic heritage as important factors in education planning.
Pegu said the policy’s emphasis on mother-tongue education could help improve learning outcomes. He also noted that education in local languages can help preserve and strengthen the linguistic identities of communities across the Northeast.
The focus on local languages remains particularly relevant for the region. The Northeast has numerous indigenous languages and distinct cultural traditions. Education policies therefore need to address both learning requirements and the preservation of local identities.
Skills Must Accompany Knowledge
Pegu also stressed the importance of combining knowledge with skills. According to reports from the conclave, he said that knowledge alone cannot make students employable.
He highlighted areas such as information technology, media and technology literacy as important skills for students in the 21st century. He also pointed to research and innovation as important components of the region’s educational development.
The focus on skills reflects one of the broader objectives of NEP 2020. The policy seeks to move education beyond traditional academic learning and give students opportunities to develop practical abilities.
Northeast Needs Region-Specific Solutions
The conclave also addressed the specific challenges that northeastern states face while implementing education reforms. The region’s difficult terrain, scattered population and infrastructure gaps can create challenges for schools and higher education institutions.
Participants discussed the need for approaches that consider these regional realities. A region-specific framework could help states address local requirements while continuing to follow the broader objectives of NEP 2020.
The discussions also covered issues related to funding, teacher training, research and innovation. Participants stressed the need to strengthen educational institutions and improve the quality of higher education.
Nagaland Calls for Greater Cooperation
Nagaland hosted the conclave with support from the Union Ministry of Education. The Department of Higher Education, along with other state education departments and institutions, organised the event.
Nagaland Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along said the conclave offered an opportunity to discuss the implementation of NEP 2020 across the state and the Northeast. He also expressed hope that the discussions would produce a clear and practical outcome.
Officials said the conclave could help the northeastern states share their experiences and identify common solutions.
Focus on Indigenous Knowledge and Technology
Another important issue at the conclave was the need to connect indigenous knowledge with modern education. Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Jagadish K. Patnaik called for an inclusive and contextual approach to educational transformation.
He highlighted priorities such as accessibility, equity, quality, flexibility, multilingualism and holistic development. He also stressed the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into academic learning and improving technological skills.
This approach seeks to ensure that students remain connected to their communities while gaining the skills required in a changing economy.
Building a Collaborative Education Framework
The Education Conclave 2026 is expected to contribute to a collaborative framework among northeastern states. The proposed framework could support the sharing of best practices, institutional resources and capacity-building initiatives.
Such cooperation could also help states learn from each other’s experiences while implementing NEP 2020. Education departments can use these exchanges to identify challenges and develop approaches that suit the region.
The conclave therefore goes beyond discussions between individual states. It provides an opportunity for the Northeast to consider education development through a shared regional perspective.
Assam Shares Its NEP Experience
Pegu thanked Nagaland’s Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along for providing Assam with a platform to share its experience and perspectives on NEP 2020.
Assam has been working on several education reforms linked to the policy. The state recently introduced measures related to four-year undergraduate programmes and has also expanded the use of technology in education.
In September, Assam partnered with several organisations on initiatives involving artificial intelligence, teacher training, foundational literacy, personalised learning and digital creativity. These efforts form part of the state’s broader push towards technology-enabled education.
Education Conclave 2026 Looks Ahead
The two-day Education Conclave 2026 in Nagaland brings the Northeast’s education stakeholders together at a time when states are working to translate NEP 2020 into practical reforms.
Ranoj Pegu’s participation allowed Assam to contribute its perspective to discussions on mother-tongue education, skills, technology, research and innovation. The conclave also highlighted the importance of adapting education reforms to the region’s unique linguistic, cultural and geographical context.
As the discussions continue, participating states are expected to explore ways to strengthen cooperation and share resources. The broader objective remains to develop an education system that combines national policy goals with the specific needs of students and communities across the Northeast.