Kohima, April 25: The Government of India has formally acknowledged the long-standing demand for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Nagaland. However, while recognizing the proposal, the Centre has not provided any specific timeline or commitment regarding when such an institution might be established in the state.
 |
| MP S. Supongmeren Jamir. (File Photo) |
The development was shared by Lok Sabha MP S. Supongmeren Jamir, who released details of an official response received from Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education. The response came in connection with a proposal seeking the establishment of an IIT in Nagaland, a demand that has gained increasing support from educational stakeholders, students, and public representatives in recent years.
According to Jamir, the issue was previously raised during Zero Hour in Parliament on December 4, 2025, where he highlighted the need for an IIT in Nagaland and informed the House that land had already been allocated for the proposed institution. He argued that establishing a premier technical institute in the state would significantly enhance educational opportunities for students in Nagaland and the wider Northeast region.
In its response, the Ministry of Education stated that the Government of India is currently focused on strengthening and expanding existing higher education institutions in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Centre pointed out that Nagaland already hosts several important centrally funded educational institutions, including Nagaland University and National Institute of Technology Nagaland.
The Ministry also highlighted ongoing investments aimed at improving the quality, accessibility, and inclusiveness of higher education in the state. Under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), an amount of ₹1,292.16 crore has been approved for the period from 2023–24 to 2025–26. The funding is intended to support infrastructure development, academic enhancement, and institutional strengthening across higher education institutions.
Additionally, under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), the Centre has sanctioned 39 projects in Nagaland with a total approved allocation of ₹254.06 crore, including a central share of ₹229.57 crore. The Ministry further noted that ₹130.46 crore had already been released to the state under PM-USHA as of March 25, 2026, for various educational development initiatives.
On the specific issue of establishing an IIT, the Ministry acknowledged that it had received a formal request from the Nagaland government on January 1, 2025. While confirming that the proposal has been taken on record and remains under consideration, officials stated that any future developments regarding the matter would be communicated at an appropriate time. No indication was given regarding the feasibility, approval process, or timeframe for implementation.
ALSO READ: Nagaland University Hosts Premiere Screening of Documentary ‘A Sacred Place
Responding to the Centre’s position, MP S. Supongmeren Jamir stated that although the investments being made in higher education are welcome and beneficial, they should not diminish the importance of establishing an IIT in Nagaland. He emphasized that such an institution would provide world-class technical education, promote innovation and research, and create greater opportunities for students from the state and the Northeast.
Jamir further said that an IIT would serve as a catalyst for economic growth, technological advancement, and human resource development in the region. Reaffirming his commitment to the cause, he stated that efforts to pursue the proposal would continue and that the matter would be raised with the Central Government at the highest levels until a positive outcome is achieved.
The demand for an IIT in Nagaland has been viewed by many as a significant step toward addressing regional educational disparities and strengthening the state's position in India's higher education landscape.
