Tripura’s Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman has urged for the creation of a robust higher education framework in the Northeast, emphasizing the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to align the region’s unique strengths with modern academic goals.

Speaking at the Education Conference 2026 in Dimapur, themed “Implementation of NEP 2020: Goals, Challenges and Opportunities for Northeastern States”, Barman represented Tripura in the inaugural session. He engaged with education administrators, experts, and representatives from across the Northeast, discussing current challenges and future prospects in higher education.

In his address, Barman highlighted the importance of integrating the Northeast’s distinctive resources and cultural heritage into education and research. He pointed to the region’s rich biodiversity, bamboo resources, agriculture, and tourism potential, stressing that these sectors should be linked with innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic curricula.

He asserted that successful implementation of NEP 2020 could build a modern education system tailored to the specific needs of Northeastern states, while also fostering skill development, innovative thinking, and entrepreneurial initiatives among youth. 

According to him, leveraging natural resources, human capital, and cultural diversity through education and research would enable the Northeast to play a pivotal role in India’s development.

Barman called for collective efforts to make the region educated, skilled, innovative, and entrepreneurial, noting that such a transformation could position the Northeast as a driving force in achieving the national vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

The conference also reviewed the progress of NEP 2020 implementation across different Northeastern states, discussed region‑specific challenges, and explored opportunities to strengthen higher education systems further.