Minister Kruse urges Nagas to empower through skills

KOHIMA — Minister for Women’s Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, underscored the need for Nagas to empower themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills to avail job opportunities in the construction sector, which are currently being captured by people from outside the region.

The minister was addressing the culmination programme of the week-long level-1 Skill Proficiency Management for building and other construction workers’ advanced Training of Trainers (TOT) for 2022-2023, held at Khonoma village, on Monday.

A total of 48 participants from the Western Angami region completed training in plumbing, tiling and electrical work.

The training which commenced on October 9 was sponsored by the Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (NBOCWWB) and conducted by the Zynorique Initiatives Society (ZIS).

Kruse acknowledged the NBOCWWB and ZIS for conducting the training programme, while highlighting the importance of skill development training.

Pointing out that employment in the government sector has reached saturation point, she emphasised the need for youth to equip themselves with the required skills and techniques to ensure sustainability.

The minister commended the trainees for the successful completion of the first level of training and encouraged them to continuously evaluate themselves, seek further training and identify opportunities for professional growth.

Meanwhile, Chubayanger Aier, chief executive officer (CEO) of NBOCWWB, informed that the government has been conducting several training programmes for the youth.

Highlighting the need for individuals to have a desire to learn and upskill themselves, the CEO lamented that many Nagas have the mentality of relying solely on loans and subsidies to attend training programmes.

They lack the discipline to progress further despite having the aptitude for fast learning, Aier said.

He asserted that construction is one of the biggest industries in the state of Nagaland, where 25% of the construction cost goes towards labour payment, often to outsiders, when it could have gone to Nagas.

He stressed the need for trainers among the Nagas and advised the trainees to continue their pursuit, as becoming a TOT requires completing training up to level 4.

A brief overview of the training programme was presented by the chairman of ZIS and architect, Richard Belho. He mentioned that the programme was conceptualised in collaboration with the district administration and relevant line departments.

After the training, the trainees will be registered under the Labour department, informed Belho.

He also exhorted the trainees on the importance of discipline, valuing time and money, respecting their work uniform and striving to create a supportive ecosystem, while also offering help and support to the trainees in establishing themselves.

A trainee delivered a speech on behalf of the trainees, thanking the minister, sponsors and ZIS for bringing the training programme to their doorsteps.

Later, the minister distributed completion certificates and tools to the trainees free of cost.

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