Local economy vital for Nagaland’s growth, says Hekani Jakhalu

KOHIMA — Advisor of Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu on Wednesday laid emphasis on the importance of boosting the local economy through trade, saying that ‘only business’ will help a deficit state like Nagaland to prosper.

She was speaking during the 30th anniversary of KAK, one of the first retail stores in Kohima, which is owned and operated by local entrepreneurs.

To buttress her view, the legislator shared that the state’s receipt stands at INR 896 crore, out of which about INR 748 crore goes towards paying the salaries employees, INR 107 crore for debt servicing, and about INR 42 crore for power purchase. This leaves the state with a deficit of about INR 147.76 crore, she added.

In this scenario, she asserted that for the state to grow, the local economy, in terms of business activities, should grow. While that has been a big challenge, she said it has to start by ‘cleaning the system’ as there is much room for improvement.

Hekani noted that one of the driving forces behind her foray into politics was her commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and nurturing the state’s economy.

She called upon the people, particularly the younger generation, to keep pace with the global technological advancements, as access to technology is now a reality for all.

‘If we can’t live up to that, there is a big danger of having negative repercussions on our children and future,’ she said, adding that failure to adapt to these changes could potentially have adverse consequences on the well-being of the children and the future.

She stressed the paramount importance of enhancing the local economy to ensure the growth of Nagaland and to provide a legacy for the younger generation to inherit.

For those aspiring to venture into business, retail stores will provide them the As and Bs of the business, she said while congratulating the proprietors of KAK retail store for successfully managing it for three decades.

She also acknowledged their courage in settling up and operating such an establishment, a responsibility mostly shouldered by non-Nagas; and their resilience in overcoming numerous challenges, including the prevailing dominance of e-commerce and online platforms. Furthermore, she hailed them as inspirational role models for many young Nagas, encouraging them to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys.

Today, it is noteworthy that a significant majority of stores in Kohima are operated by local people, she continued.

While sharing about KAK, which was established in 1993, Ketu Putsure expressed gratitude to God for His blessings throughout the three-decade journey. He informed that the name of the store — KAK — derived from his name and his wife, Kris.

Meanwhile, Lezo Putsure extended a warm welcome and presided over the event’s proceedings. Visato Yhoshu, the pastor of Union Baptist Church in Kohima, pronounced a prayer, and a KAK employee, Atalu, delivered a special musical performance.

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