Nagaland Assembly flags rising youth unemployment as urgent concern

KOHIMA — Nagaland’s high youth unemployment rate dominated discussions in the state assembly on Tuesday, with legislators and the chief minister expressing concern over the growing number of educated unemployed youth.

The debate was taken up as a matter of urgent public importance under Rule 50 by advisor Hekani Jakhalu and supported by advisors Wangpang Konyak and Kekhrielhoulie Yhome.

Nagaland currently ranks second in the country with a 27.4% youth unemployment rate, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio acknowledged the seriousness of the problem, describing youth unemployment as a challenge that needs “urgent” attention. Citing government records of more than 70,000 registered unemployed youth, he said the prevailing mindset of seeking only government jobs had to change.

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The chief minister also pointed to discrepancies in the decadal population growth rate recorded in the census and the wide gap in live registrations of educated unemployed. He suggested that many individuals already in employment might still be applying for unemployment certificates.

For greater clarity, he called for proper assessments to set the record straight, and urged the department of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to study the issue in detail and submit its findings.

Rio pointed out that many applicants with higher degrees were competing for Grade IV posts and emphasised the need to shift towards entrepreneurship and production rather than remaining a “consumer society.” He attributed the state’s slow economic progress to the unresolved Naga political issue, citing extortion, multiple taxation, and an unfavourable investment climate. The lack of industries and sponsors, he added, had also hindered the growth of sports.

The chief minister said the government was promoting start-ups, entrepreneurship, logistics and industrial policies to attract investment and generate opportunities. He called on the youth to work hard and prepare to contribute to India’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Initiating the discussion, Jakhalu stressed that unemployability, driven by gaps in skills and vocational training, was at the root of the problem. Stating that the government cannot solve the problem alone, she urged parents to stop pressuring young people to secure government jobs, saying societal and parental expectations were affecting youth well-being.

She encouraged legislators to motivate young people in their constituencies to pursue training, gain experience outside the state, and return to contribute.

Jakhalu also called for stronger government support in infrastructure, particularly in the power and road sectors, to create an ecosystem for entrepreneurs and private businesses to grow.

Other legislators, including Minister Temjen Imna Along, advisors Wangpang Konyak, Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, TN Mannen, Temjenmemba, and MLAs Dr Neisato Mero, A Nyamnyei Konyak and Achumbemo Kikon, also spoke on the issue and suggested measures to address it.