Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio virtually laid the foundation stones and launched 9 (Nine) Lighthouse School Complexes (LSCs) at an official launch programme on 4th June 2025 at CMRC, Kohima.
Speaking at the launch programme Dr. Rio expressed his happiness to witness the progress of the Lighthouse School Complexes (LSCs) under the Nagaland Education Project – The Lighthouse (NECTAR) and added that the education sector was undergoing significant reforms in the State. He highlighted the importance of education and the vital role it plays in shaping the future of the youth in the state. He commended the Department of School Education and the Lighthouse (NECTAR) project for their innovative work which aims to transform classrooms and teaching methods and overall, reform the entire ecosystem of schools in the State. He further thanked the Ministry of Education, Government of India and the funding partners for their continued support and partnership. In conclusion, Dr. Rio emphasised on the importance of Primary Schools which laid the foundation of education for students and how with the new initiatives the students from the state can perform and compete with others from within and outside the State.
Principal Director, Directorate of School Education, Shashank Pratap Singh, IAS gave a brief on the various activities and projects undertaken under the Nagaland Education Project - The Lighthouse (NECTAR) including the SMILE App and the training and professional strengthening of employees under the department.
The foundation stones of the following Lighthouse School Complexes (LSCs) were virtually laid by Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio.
1. GHSS Medziphema Town, Chumoukedima district
2. GHSS Phek Town, Phek district
3. GHS Sitimi Town, Kiphire district
4. GHSS Satakha, Zunheboto district
5. GHS Chessore, Shamator district
6. GHS Noklak Village, Noklak district
7. Bautung GHSS Longleng, Longleng district
8. N.I. Jamir GHSS, Mokokchung district
9. GHSS Dimapur, Dimapur district
It may be noted that Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio had earlier laid the foundation stones of the following seven LSCs on 1st December 2024:
• Government High School Angjangyang, Mon
• Government Higher Secondary School, Kigwema, Kohima
• Government Higher Secondary School, Niuland
• Government Higher Secondary School, Peren
• Government Higher Secondary School, Tseminyu
• Government Higher Secondary School, Tuensang
• Government Higher Secondary School, Wokha
Lighthouse School Complexes (LSCs) are envisioned as model schools with all necessary facilities required to function as hubs of academic excellence that support neighbouring spoke schools. Under the NECTAR project, one (1) Lighthouse School Complex (LSC) each will be developed in sixteen (16) districts of Nagaland. LSCs will be spaces of holistic learning fostering inclusivity, strong community engagement and constant innovation thriving on local knowledge of the communities. Lighthouse School Complexes will be economically and ecologically sustainable and also promote an evidence-based education system. They will lay emphasis on reaching out to the Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) and provide learning spaces with adequate resources for Children with Special Needs (CWSN). Further, LSCs will work towards integrating the National Education Policy's (NEP) recommendations on school management and teaching-learning practices.
Currently, the foundational works for all sixteen Lighthouse School Complexes are being laid and the NECTAR Engineering Team is closely monitoring the progress. The construction works are by being carried out with strict adherence to the World Bank's Environmental and Social Standards to avoid potential adverse project impacts while promoting sustainable development. The total cost for the construction of the 16 LSCs has been estimated at 198.57 crores.
(Morotsung, IA)
