Arunachal Pradesh CM Pushes Major Education Transformation Under NEP 2020 Framework
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has declared that the state is experiencing a significant transformation in its education sector, meticulously aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The comprehensive policy framework is scheduled for full implementation across all educational levels by the target year of 2030, marking a pivotal shift in the region's academic landscape.
Major Structural Reforms and School Rationalization Initiatives
While inaugurating the third edition of the Arunachal Pradesh University Festival (APUFEST) 2026 at Pasighat in East Siang district on Thursday, Khandu revealed that substantial reforms have already been initiated to enhance education quality. A key component of this transformation involves the rationalization and closure of unviable educational institutions. The Chief Minister specifically noted that approximately 700 schools have been shut down to address persistent issues related to poor planning and substandard quality, demonstrating the government's commitment to structural improvements.
Arunachal Pradesh University Receives Top Priority Status
Khandu reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh University, the state's inaugural state-owned university, remains an absolute top priority for the government. He provided firm assurances of sustained support for its infrastructure expansion, academic growth, and institutional strengthening, according to an official report. Expressing satisfaction with the current pace of infrastructure development, the CM observed that the campus is approaching completion stages, which will enable the university to elevate its academic standards significantly.
Addressing Institutional Requirements and Future Expansion Plans
In response to a memorandum submitted by the university's student community and suggestions presented by Vice-Chancellor Prof Tomo Riba, Khandu guaranteed that all legitimate requirements and existing shortcomings would be systematically addressed. He emphasized that the government would continue prioritizing infrastructure development and has assigned personal responsibility to the education minister for advancing the university's progress.
However, Khandu stressed the critical need for expanding APU's current 100-acre campus to accommodate future growth, urging MLAs, officials, and local residents to facilitate this expansion. He called for a comprehensive master plan review involving architectural experts to create an institution capable of attracting international students. The Chief Minister argued that limited space would inevitably restrict both infrastructure development and academic expansion, asserting that as the state's first university, it must possess unlimited scope for growth and development.
Substantial Investments and Sports Infrastructure Development
Khandu confirmed that the government has made substantial financial investments in the university and pledged continued support in the coming years. Additionally, he announced plans for sports infrastructure development within the university campus, with specific provisions to be incorporated in the upcoming budget allocations.
Connecting Education to Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision
Referencing the ambitious Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, Khandu emphasized that development must comprehensively encompass every state, district, and village across the nation. He stressed that today's students would play a decisive role in achieving this national goal, urging them to actively participate in nation-building through diverse career paths including public service, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and various other sectors.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Arunachal Pradesh is a resource-rich state with immense untapped potential, predicting that the youth would emerge as the primary driving force behind regional development by 2047. In a significant international development, Khandu disclosed that discussions are currently underway for establishing student and faculty exchange programs between educational institutions in Arunachal Pradesh and Japan.
Encouraging Holistic Student Development Through APUFEST
During the festival inauguration, Khandu encouraged students to actively participate in all academic, literary, cultural, and sports activities throughout APUFEST 2026, extending his best wishes for their future endeavors and academic pursuits.
Currently, Arunachal Pradesh University operates 11 academic departments and offers PhD programs in diverse disciplines including commerce, economics, education, social work, and travel studies, providing comprehensive higher education opportunities within the state.
