Nagaland to implement major education overhaul with SOAR mission to fill skills gap

Nagaland is introducing sweeping education reforms to tackle the serious gap between academic achievement and employment requirements, with School Education & SCERT Advisor Kekhrielhoulie Yhome declaring the 'SOAR mission' scheme to kick off on September 5.

The program is an extension of the National Education Policy 2020's focus on incorporating vocational subjects within school curriculum, with the aim of equipping the student with particular job-ready skills rather than pure theoretical knowledge.

Yhome disclosed a disturbing fact about the wage structure of the state, highlighting the fact that Nagaland has the lowest minimum wages in the country for all three categories - unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled labour - under the Nagaland Minimum Wage Act 2025. He emphasized making exhaustive schedule lists and pay scales for employment according to sectoral categories and employment trades.

The advisor stressed that young people must analyze labor market needs within the country and abroad, and they should go out to learn the best practices and then come back to improve entrepreneurial and financial literacy in the state.

Transport and Technical Education Advisor Temjenmenba pointed out the capabilities of departments such as IT, Industries & Commerce, Employment & Skill Development, and Technical Education to generate skilled workers through collaborative efforts.

SOAR mission is an organized way to upscaling delivery of vocational curriculum. Yhome suggested the creation of a single system that will onboard all departments and institutions offering vocational training for enhancing certification procedures and accreditation systems.

In spite of aggressive capacity-building initiatives initiated throughout the state, response has been lukewarm owing to poor financial incentives, Industries & Commerce Advisor Hekani Jakhalu said. She emphasized the need for upskilling through internship and apprenticeship schemes along with technological adaptation training.

The education reform plan seeks to synchronize school and college courses in line with national and global standards so that Nagaland's youth become employable not only at the state level but nationwide and globally. Officials stressed going beyond the traditional white-collar job aspirations to usher in the dignity of labour in all industries.

The wide-ranging strategy involves the enhancement of fundamental infrastructure such as power supply and internet connectivity to facilitate contemporary modes of educational delivery and encourage private sector investment in skill development initiatives.