Nagaland not ready for industrialisation, says former Chief Secretary

Alemtemshi Jamir warns against Nagaland adopting high-tech NEP models unsuited to local strengths

DIMAPUR — Former Chief Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir on Friday reflected on Nagaland’s persistent struggles with industrialisation, citing failed revival efforts of the Tuli Paper Mill and the Sugar Mill project.

Speaking at a workshop on career opportunities under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, held at Livingstone Foundation International School in Dimapur, Jamir said that despite significant government support and generous central funding, the Paper Mill project could not be revived.

He recalled commissioning the programme thrice with the government of India, which sanctioned funds of INR 700 crore and later INR 1200 crore, but to no avail.

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Similarly, the Sugar Mill project also ended in losses. Based on these experiences, Jamir said Nagaland may not yet be prepared for industrialisation, pointing to the need for improved planning, execution, and infrastructure.

The workshop was organised by the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, in association with Nagaland University and North East Christian University (NECU), Nagaland.

Jamir highlighted several barriers to industrialisation in the state, including a lack of investor confidence. He cited Article 371 (A), which prohibits outsiders from owning or mortgaging land in Nagaland, and noted that banking issues around land mortgage further deter investment.

He also underscored the shortage of skilled labour in the state, stating that industries often base their investment decisions on the availability of trained manpower—an area where Nagaland still lags.

Referring to his book The Vision 2030, the retired bureaucrat proposed exploring alternative economic models with agriculture as a promising focus.

He stressed, however, that this should not mean reverting to traditional farming practices but rather embracing agriculture as a modern, technology-driven sector with economic potential.

Jamir also raised concerns about Nagaland’s approach to the NEP 2020, suggesting that the state was trying to emulate high-tech industrial models unsuited to its strengths. Instead, he encouraged identifying and building upon local potential.

Challenging the idea that science and technology are foreign to Naga society, he cited examples such as pani-kheti (terrace cultivation) as evidence of traditional engineering knowledge. He noted that the ancestors, though "illiterate" by formal standards, demonstrated impressive practical skills and understanding of scientific principles.

Jamir reminded the audience that over 68% of Nagas are still engaged in agriculture. By redefining agriculture as a field rich in scientific and technological possibilities, he said Nagaland could unlock new economic avenues for its youth.

Calling on the younger generation to reinterpret the NEP in ways that fit local realities, he said: “If you look outside the window from any school, you see greenery and trees. Villages sit on small plots, but there are kilometres of land that remain unused. It’s up to you, the youth, to define what you need and where you should be employed.”

He reminded the students that it was the responsibility of the youth to take technology to the villages and help transform Nagaland into a thriving commercial economy.