H Tovihoto Ayemi, sewing machines, AIDA Dimapur Description: H Tovihoto Ayemi distributes 60 sewing machines to women in Dimapur to promote skill development and self-reliance.
DIMAPUR — Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election H Tovihoto Ayemi on Friday distributed certificates and 60 sewing machines to women who completed a three-month tailoring skill development programme at Anma Integrated Development Association (AIDA), Don Bosco Campus, Dimapur.
The initiative, undertaken by Ayemi for women in Dimapur-I constituency, aims to empower women through skill development and promote self-reliance.
Speaking on the occasion, Ayemi said Nagaland had around 1.23 lakh government employees, both regular and non-regular, while more than 71,000 unemployed youths were registered with the Directorate of Employment, Statistics and Economics.
He observed that government jobs continued to be considered prestigious and secure in Nagaland, partly due to the limited presence of private sector players.
However, with only a few hundred government vacancies advertised annually, the government could not provide employment to the thousands of job seekers entering the market each year.
Ayemi pointed out that a significant proportion of registered unemployed people were educated but lacked vocational skills.
He urged young people to acquire practical skills, upgrade their knowledge and explore opportunities beyond conventional employment, including self-employment and entrepreneurship.
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He said the certificates awarded to the trainees would serve as credentials for those wishing to pursue tailoring professionally or establish their own garment and tailoring shops.
Ayemi also announced plans to initiate another batch of the programme within this month, with an estimated 40 to 60 additional participants, depending on demand.
He suggested exploring ways to reduce the training period to two months while ensuring adequate instruction, particularly considering the household and community responsibilities of many women.
He said efforts were also underway to identify suitable training opportunities for men and boys, adding that the initiative could continue if subsequent batches proved successful.
Drawing attention to government-supported programmes for unemployed youths and aspiring entrepreneurs, Ayemi highlighted the Nagaland Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) and the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).
He encouraged participants to seek information on available training, financial assistance and support for establishing small enterprises.
He further stated that efforts were being made to establish a dedicated help cell through the BJP to guide people on government schemes, application procedures and the documents required to access benefits and start small businesses.
The welcome address was delivered by AIDA Executive Director and Chief Functionary Rev. Fr. Dr. Roy George.