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Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 13 (EMN): Inspector General of Assam Rifles (IGAR) (North) under the aegis of Director General of Assam Rifles (DGAR) has jointly signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Axis Bank and training partner National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO) to set up late Capt. N Kenguruse, MVC Centre of Excellence and Wellness at Chieswema in Kohima.
Brig. Herjinder Singh, DIG, 5 Sector Assam Rifles; Dr. Rohit Srivastava, CEO NIEDO; and Rudrapriyo Ray, Head Corporate Affairs, Axis Bank signed the MoU on Friday at Headquarters IGAR (North) in Kohima in an effort to ensure a brighter future of the youth of Nagaland.
It was informed that in the first batch of the year-long project, 30 students from economically weaker section of Nagaland will receive help in preparing for competitive exams with residential coaching and monitoring facility.
The project is expected to be fully functional by the first week of July this year.
Speaking at the event, minister of Higher and Technical Education, Temjen Imna Along, described the occasion as a "red letter day" as the initiative is being done in the name of Kenguruse, a "battle-worthy man and the epitome of nationalism and bravery and true Naga who laid down his life for the motherland".
He said that such humanitarian programme meant for the welfare of common people, downtrodden and weaker sections was not a "new thing" for the Assam Rifles, be it in Nagaland and the Northeast region.
He also lauded Axis Bank and NIEDO for joining the noble venture, saying that they had decided to contribute "towards the future of the nation".
The minister requested the Assam Rifles to initiate similar projects focusing on youth skill development for employment opportunities, saying that the state produces about 25,000 to 30,000 graduates every year and the government is not able to tackle the alarming unemployment rate.
Maintaining that about 65% of the state’s budget outlay is on payment of salaries and wages unlike other states which spend only about 30-35% for the same, he asked students not to look for government jobs but rather enhance their skills and contribute towards nation building while boosting Nagaland as an economically vibrant state.
Also addressing the gathering, Major General Vikas Lakhera, SM IGAR (N), said that 'Education helps to shape the future of the country while it gives younger education options and choices and allow them to be contributors of nation building.'
He said that they had initiated the project with the zeal to empower students, particularly from underprivileged sections, and to provide a better future.
"If students avail the facilities and give their 200%, we will give our 400%," he assured.
Maintaining that youth are the future power house of the country, he expressed confidence that the "noble initiative" will go a long way in changing the destiny of the children, families, the state and country.
The occasion was attended by family members of Kenguruse, students and teachers from various schools.