Less takers for entrepreneurship, more for government jobs in Nagaland, says Khamo

CHOZUBA — Kudecho Khamo, Advisor for CAWD and Taxes, highlighted the pressing need for entrepreneurship in Nagaland, encouraging rural women to consider it as a viable and rewarding career path.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the “Skill Development for Rural Women through Mobile Skill Morung” programme in Chozuba on Friday, Khamo said that people are more interested in pursuing already-saturated government jobs instead of taking up entrepreneurship, and urged for a shift in mindset.

The event, organised by the Department of Employment, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, was held at Vamuzo Memorial Town Hall.

The advisor lauded the department and training partner, Pinnacle Skills, for their efforts in empowering women. While appreciating the dedication of the trainees, he expressed hope that they would contribute economically and create employment opportunities for others.

He went on to say that entrepreneurs are business people who take calculated risks to do something new or different, to improve business and create opportunities. He stressed the need to change the narrative, as many people are unwilling to pursue entrepreneurship, preferring government jobs instead, despite the stark reality of limited government job openings.

Khamo pointed out that while tens of thousands of students clear the high school exams and graduate each year, the government sector offers fewer than a thousand vacancies annually. In this scenario, entrepreneurship is the best way to thrive, help others and contribute to social change, he maintained.

As the trainees prepare to venture into their own businesses, he advised them to be ready to face challenges and remain hardworking and persistent. He encouraged them to gain experience and expand their businesses.

Drawing from his own experience, Khamo advised the trainees to embrace challenges, persevere, and prioritise customer needs, quality, and financial discipline. He stressed the importance of both economic and spiritual growth, urging them to “put God first”.

He said that the present generation of Nagas is among the first to venture into business and that their struggles will eventually be rewarded. He expressed gratitude to the government for bringing training to rural areas and empowering women.

Meanwhile, Savio Visa, Additional Director of Employment, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, noted the challenges faced by rural women in accessing skill development opportunities due to domestic responsibilities.

To address this, the department developed the concept of the Mobile Skill Morung to empower women as part of Sustainable Development Goal Five, which aims to provide equal opportunities.

Visa informed that the department is providing baking and tailoring training in various parts of the state and lauded the enthusiasm of the trainees. He also announced that the department would provide baking kits and urged the participants to make the best use of their skills and tools to contribute positively to their communities and inspire others.

He went on to thank the Chozuba Town Council for their hospitality and the training partner, Pinnacle Skills, for collaborating with the department.

Khrukulu Lohe, speaking on behalf of the trainees, expressed gratitude for the enriching experience and requested support as they embarked on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Vezota Rhakho, Deputy Chairperson of Chozuba Town Council (CTC), encouraged the participants to make the best use of the skills gained during the training, while acknowledging the department and training partners.

The closing remarks were delivered by Talimoa, Coordinator of Pinnacle Skills, while the programme was led by Sekhosayi Vero, Employment Officer, Phek.

A total of 25 trainees were awarded certificates and baking kits.