The Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Chowna Mein inaugurated the first-ever 'Regional NeVolution Education Workshop' on improving education Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for aspirational districts and blocks in the North East region. The workshop, held under the Aspirational Block Programme, also involved representatives from Jammu & Kashmir and Jharkhand. Mein addressed the gathering as the Chief Guest and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the educational challenges of the region.
Focus on Enhancing Education in the North East
In his speech, Mein expressed his enthusiasm in hosting experts, officials, and development partners dedicated to enhancing education in the North-East. He emphasized the significance of improving learning outcomes, particularly by addressing critical issues such as high dropout rates, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for better teacher training. “Education is a top priority, and I am confident that this workshop will help us provide the best opportunities for our students,” he said.
The Deputy CM further highlighted the need to improve foundational literacy and numeracy to ensure that every child in the region has access to quality education. He stressed that the collective efforts of stakeholders could bring about transformative progress in educational outcomes.
Key Government Initiatives and Support for Education
Mein acknowledged the valuable role of NITI Aayog in supporting the state's development goals, particularly in areas such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, clean water, and education. He expressed gratitude to the agency for its continued partnership in advancing Arunachal Pradesh’s education sector.
Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and the Arunachal Pradesh government, the state has made significant strides. “The last two terms under the Dual-Engine Government have been transformational,” Mein remarked. He pointed out the 136% increase in the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), a 104% rise in per capita income, and a 200% increase in capital expenditure as major accomplishments.
The government has allocated Rs 150 Crores for constructing 30 secondary and higher secondary schools and additional funds to complete Golden Jubilee Schools by 2024-25. Furthermore, Rs 600 Crores has been approved under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for various educational interventions. Mein also highlighted the earmarking of Rs 2,139 Crores for the *ARUN SHRI Mission*, which aims to transform the state’s educational landscape.
Acknowledging Infrastructure Challenges
Despite the progress, Mein noted that the state’s education infrastructure still lags behind the rest of the country. He emphasized the need to bridge this gap for future growth and urged continued support from NITI Aayog to modernize the educational infrastructure, particularly in remote regions like the NEFA areas.
Digital Connectivity and Technological Integration in Education
Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member of NITI Aayog and Guest of Honour at the event, addressed the workshop participants, emphasizing the transformative potential of digital connectivity in education, especially in remote regions like Arunachal Pradesh. He pointed out that technology could play a crucial role in overcoming the challenges of geographic isolation and ensure equitable access to quality education.
Virmani also advocated for integrating job-oriented skill training into school curricula to help reduce dropout rates and prepare students for the workforce. He highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools in enhancing teaching and learning outcomes, describing them as “force multipliers” for education.
Collaborative Efforts for Innovative Solutions
The workshop, which was attended by several distinguished guests, including Advisor and MLA of Namsai, Zingnu Namchoom, Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, Manish Gupta, and officials from NITI Aayog, called for innovative, tech-driven solutions to address systemic educational challenges. The aim is to ensure modern, accessible education for underserved communities, thereby preparing students for a future driven by knowledge and innovation.