The idea of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) cannot be complete without an equally developed and empowered North East India. The region, rich in culture and natural resources, has long been full of potential yet challenged by issues of access, infrastructure, and employment. In this context, reimagining education and skill development for the North East is not just about literacy or job creation — it’s about building self-reliant communities equipped to thrive in the 21st century. Education here must move beyond textbooks and focus on skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship that align with local strengths and global opportunities.

I am writing about this topic because education and skills hold the key to transforming the North East into a region that contributes equally to India’s growth story. Despite policy attention, many parts of the region still lack strong educational infrastructure and skill-based training. As India moves toward its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, it is vital that the youth of the North East are empowered through relevant, practical education. Understanding the region’s unique challenges and cultural context is essential to shaping an education system that is inclusive, future-oriented, and regionally rooted.

The promise of a skilled North East

The North Eastern region has one of the youngest populations in India, which means a demographic advantage if the right skills are imparted. However, the current education system remains overly academic, often disconnected from the realities of the job market. With limited access to higher education and skill development centres, many young people migrate to other parts of the country in search of opportunities.

A reimagined education system must therefore focus on local employability, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven learning. Vocational education in schools, short-term industry-linked courses, and skill hubs in rural areas could help bridge the gap between education and employment.

Bridging the gap between education and livelihood

To truly empower the region, education must be aligned with livelihood opportunities that are relevant to the local economy. For example:

• In states like Assam and Meghalaya, skills in tea industry management, tourism, and agri-business can create sustainable livelihoods.
• In Nagaland and Mizoram, eco-tourism and food processing can be developed with proper training.
• Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur can promote renewable energy and handicraft industries with modern technological support.

By linking local strengths with modern skill programmes, the North East can not only provide employment to its youth but also boost regional economies.

Technology as a bridge

Technology has the potential to overcome the barriers of geography and connectivity in the North East. With the rapid expansion of internet access, digital classrooms, virtual labs, and online training can help reach students in remote areas. Integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education from early schooling will prepare students for new-age careers in IT, robotics, AI, and renewable energy.

Partnerships between the government, private sector, and NGOs can bring innovation to classrooms through community-based learning models and digital inclusion projects. Initiatives like PM e-Vidya, Skill India, and Atal Tinkering Labs can be customised for the region’s needs, making learning more practical and connected to real-world problems.

The role of higher education institutions

Universities and colleges in the North East must become centres of regional innovation. Institutes like IIT Guwahati, NIT Silchar, and Tezpur University can lead collaborations with local industries, startups, and international organisations to promote research-driven learning.

There is also a need to strengthen smaller colleges and technical institutes through faculty training, digital resources, and curriculum reforms. Courses in environmental studies, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and social innovation will help prepare youth for challenges specific to their region, from climate change to resource management.

Encouraging entrepreneurship and local innovation

Skill development must go hand in hand with entrepreneurship education. The North East’s youth have shown great creativity in areas like handloom, organic farming, and tourism. With the right training and financial support, these small ventures can scale up into sustainable businesses.

Government schemes like Startup India, Stand-Up India, and the North East Entrepreneurship Development Programme should be expanded to provide mentorship, incubation, and seed funding for local innovators. Schools and colleges can also introduce entrepreneurship clubs to encourage problem-solving and business thinking from an early age.

Integrating culture and education

Any vision for Viksit North East must also respect and build upon the region’s cultural and linguistic diversity. Education here should be multilingual, inclusive, and culturally rooted. Traditional knowledge in agriculture, herbal medicine, and crafts can be integrated into modern curriculums.

For instance, vocational courses on bamboo technology, organic farming, and handicraft design could preserve heritage while promoting employability. When education reflects local identity, it becomes more meaningful and impactful for the community.