Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio virtually laid foundation stones for nine LSCs across the state during an official launch event held at CMRC, Kohima on June 4. (DIPR Photo)
KOHIMA, JUNE 4 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday virtually laid the foundation stones for nine Lighthouse School Complexes (LSCs) across the state during an official launch event held at CMRC, Kohima.
The initiative is part of the Nagaland Education Project – The Lighthouse (NECTAR), aimed at transforming government schools into vibrant hubs of academic excellence. Speaking at the event, Dr. Rio expressed satisfaction over the progress of the LSCs and lauded the Department of School Education and NECTAR for implementing innovative reforms in the state’s education system.
Highlighting the importance of education in shaping the future of Nagaland’s youth, the Chief Minister said the state was undergoing significant reforms in the sector. “The foundation of a student’s education is laid at the primary level. With these new initiatives, our students can now compete on par with peers both within and outside the state,” he stated.
Dr Rio also acknowledged the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and funding partners for their continued support and collaboration in the project.
Principal Director of the School Education Department, Shashank Pratap Singh, IAS, briefed the gathering on various ongoing activities under NECTAR, including the SMILE App, capacity-building programmes, and professional development of department staff.
The nine LSCs for which foundation stones were laid include GHSS Medziphema Town, Chümoukedima district; GHSS Phek Town, Phek district; GHS Sitimi Town, Kiphire district; GHSS Satakha, Zunheboto district; GHS Chessore, Shamator district; GHS Noklak Village, Noklak district; Bautung GHSS Longleng, Longleng district; NI Jamir GHSS, Mokokchung district and GHSS Dimapur, Dimapur district.
Earlier, on December 1, 2024, Dr Rio had laid the foundation stones for seven other LSCs located at GHS Angjangyang, Mon; GHSS, Kigwema, Kohima; GHSS, Niuland; GHSS, Peren; GHSS, Tseminyu; GHSS, Tuensang and GHSS, Wokha.
About LSCs
Under the NECTAR project, one Lighthouse School Complex is being developed in each of the 16 districts of Nagaland. These LSCs are envisioned as model institutions that will not only provide quality education but also support nearby “spoke” schools. The LSCs are designed to be inclusive, community-engaged, innovative and sustainable, with a focus on Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) and Children with Special Needs (CWSN).
Each LSC will integrate National Education Policy (NEP) recommendations on school governance and pedagogy. The schools aim to foster holistic learning environments rooted in local community knowledge and adapted to the state’s unique socio-cultural landscape.
The NECTAR Engineering Team is currently monitoring the progress of construction across all districts. All works are being carried out in strict compliance with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards to ensure minimal negative impacts and long-term sustainability.
The total estimated cost for the construction of the 16 Lighthouse School Complexes stands at Rs 198.57 crore.
