Over 72,000 educated youths remain unemployed in Nagaland as officials push entrepreneurship, MSMEs and skill-based self-employment initiatives
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DIMAPUR — Unemployment among educated youth remains a critical concern in Nagaland, with Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland together recording more than 72,000 names in the live employment register, according to District Employment Officer (DEO) Gideon Sumi.
Speaking during the MSME Promotion Council of India (PCI) outreach and sensitisation programme in Dimapur on Saturday, Sumi said that Dimapur alone accounts for more than 28,000 registered unemployed youths.
The programme aimed to create awareness about government schemes and opportunities available for entrepreneurs, start-ups, self-help groups (SHGs), and aspiring business owners.
With government jobs becoming increasingly saturated and recruitment now largely conducted through competitive examinations, Sumi said that self-employment has emerged as the most viable option for educated unemployed youths in Nagaland.
Sumi also stressed the importance of skill certification for entrepreneurs seeking financial support from banks and institutions.
Also read: Women entrepreneurs drive MSME growth in Nagaland
“You cannot approach a financial institution or bank with just an Aadhaar card. You need to have a certificate with you,” he said.
Using the analogy of chopping a tree with a hammer, he said that skill development is essential before seeking financial assistance.
He also observed that many people in Nagaland seek loans primarily for subsidy benefits and urged youths to instead develop a “warrior mindset” by facing challenges with focus and determination.
MSMEs key to survival
Calling the programme “a conversation about the future of Nagaland,” MSME PCI Nagaland chairman Lanuakum Jamir said that the event focused on opportunities, entrepreneurship, self-reliance and economic empowerment.
According to him, despite Nagaland possessing natural resources, talent and skilled manpower, overdependence on government jobs remains a major challenge.
Urging young people to change their mindset, Jamir said that entrepreneurship, MSMEs, starups, skilled trades and private enterprises should no longer be viewed merely as alternatives.
“We should take it as the only way we can sustain or make a living,” he said.
Jamir reminded that MSMEs are considered the backbone of economies both in India and globally and are among the highest contributors to India’s GDP.
“Mindsets should be changed. However, mindset alone is not enough. We need systems that support business growth,” he said.
Highlighting support systems needed for business growth, Jamir stressed the importance of awareness about government schemes.
Referring to initiatives led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, he described the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Scheme as “a very good scheme.”
He also highlighted central flagship programmes such as the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
Jamir pointed out that many Naga entrepreneurs struggle with compliance procedures such as registration, taxation, GST filing, project reports and loan documentation despite having viable business ideas.
To address these issues, he said that MSME PCI plans to launch a Financial Compliance Programme by mid-June to assist entrepreneurs, start-ups, SHGs and MSMEs with affordable compliance support services.
The initiative will help entrepreneurs with GST registration, financial records, loan documentation and scheme readiness for PMEGP, CMMF, Mudra, CGTMSE, Startup India and NABARD schemes.
Entrepreneurs can approach MSME PCI district offices in Dimapur, Mon and Wokha, along with the soon-to-be-launched Kohima office, for assistance, he informed.
Meanwhile, Awalo Keppen, manager of Nagaland Tool Room and Training Centre (NTTC), said that the centre provides both long-term and short-term skill training programmes.
He said that the centre also collaborates with the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) under the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission.
He added that training fees and lodging under centrally sponsored schemes are fully covered by the government.
Apart from training, NTTC also helps entrepreneurs design custom machines unavailable in the market and provides access to advanced machinery through its Common Facility Centre.
The centre has also established a Centre of Excellence in Industry 4.0 and an AI Centre of Excellence with CSR support from Bharat Forge Limited.
Keppen said that NTTC is also an Entrepreneurship Development Centre under the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship and an incubation centre under Startup Nagaland.
He further informed that the centre has started overseas placement initiatives through its “Jobs in Germany” programme in collaboration with German industry associations.
Keppen invited interested youths and entrepreneurs to visit the NTTC located at Sub-Jail Junction in Dimapur.
During the programme, the Best Village Coordinator Award was presented to Achum Ovung, Pangloi H Phom and Supongtoshi.