Persistent efforts by the central and state governments towards building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem to counter the growing unemployment issue and economic challenges appear to be yielding positive results.
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Persistent efforts by the central and state governments towards building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem to counter the growing unemployment issue and economic challenges appear to be yielding positive results, as evidenced by the surge of factories and employment in Nagaland. According to the Nagaland Economic Survey 2025–26, which was tabled in the ongoing Budget Session of the state Assembly, as many as 12,844 factories were registered in 2025–26 against 1,110 in 2024–25, while employment rose from 1,295 to 12,844 during the same period. The report also revealed that Dimapur tops the table both in the number of registered factories and employment. In line with this trend, a report by the Directorate of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship stated that the state witnessed a sharp rise in self-employment registrations during the last one year, from 1,374 in 2024 to 23,091 in 2025, while the number of job seekers registered with Employment Exchanges in Nagaland increased by a modest 2,313. This shift from obsession with government jobs to entrepreneurship and self-employment, amid dwindling employment opportunities in the public sector, offers a glimmer of hope for a state that has long been caught in its own trap via reckless job creation. This development is one of the best things to have happened in Nagaland in a long time, as it will boost the state’s economic health and alleviate job market challenges. While the extent of impact on society and the state's economy remains to be seen, the growth of start-ups is evident from the growing business fairs and makeshift stalls selling items made in Nagaland. The latest government data only validates this encouraging trend.
Public memory is short, but it would be unfair not to acknowledge the state government’s efforts in dispelling the general misconception that Nagas are not adept at business. The government has been trying to turn the table by instilling entrepreneurial spirit among Naga youth and providing support through pro-business policies. One such policy is the Nagaland Start-Up Policy, 2019, which was introduced by the Neiphiu Rio government with an aim to promote local entrepreneurs, promote innovation, boost the startup ecosystem and build sustainable economy. By providing access to mentorship, engaging in knowledge exchange, and participating in capacity building, besides financial assistance, the policy empowers many to overcome the fear of failure and the uncertainty associated with starting a business. Now, the challenge ahead is to ensure that the existing factories or start-ups withstand the foundational hurdles and transform into profitable enterprises. To weather the challenges, the government should continue to support and nurture startups for long-term gains. In the meantime, entrepreneurs should not back out at the drop of a hat, as risk is an inherent part of the trade. What matters at the end of the day is not numbers but substance.