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DIMAPUR — Nagaland Minister of Rural Development Metsubo Jamir on Saturday said that providing education and training opportunities to all members of society will not only reduce unemployment but also increase productivity and foster innovation.
The main focus, the minister said, should be on creating a sustainable future, wherein every individual has an equal opportunity to contribute to the growth of the economy.
“The economic importance of skilling the unskilled cannot be overstated. When we invest in the development of human capital, we are essentially investing in the future prosperity of our nation. As we bolster individuals with skills and knowledge, they become productive members of society with a higher capacity to boost our collective well-being,” said Jamir.
He was addressing the combined graduation programme of the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) trainees held at Lake Deck, Noune Resort, in Chümoukedima.
A total of 320 rural youths from Nagaland graduated and found job placements after undergoing the DDU-GKY training under the aegis of Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM), it was updated.
Jamir pointed out that since unemployment not only affects people's lives but also hampers sustainable long-term growth, there is an urgent need to address this pressing issue through concerted effort of government agencies, businesses, educational institutions and concerned individuals.
He also stressed the need to strive for inclusivity by ensuring that every individual, regardless of background or circumstances, has access to quality education and training opportunities.
“Our vision for our state should be one where people have the skills necessary to forge a bright future for themselves and their families,” he said, while assuring that the state government is sincerely trying to invest in human capital so that “we will lay the foundation for lasting prosperity in the years ahead”.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]The minister affirmed that the government remains committed to the welfare of the youth and will do its best to address any form of challenges.
However, Jamir acknowledged that the youths, who have the required education and skills, cannot seek alternate employment avenues besides government jobs due to lack of industries in the state.
Meanwhile, he said that the ability of the Naga youths to speak the English and, to a degree, understand Hindi is a blessing and an advantage.
This, he felt, has made Naga youths more employable than their counterparts from other states ‘who do not have proper grasp of the English language’.
According to the minister, the combined graduation programme was an indication and proof that youths are looking beyond government jobs for sustainable source of livelihood.
“It is encouraging to know that till date, 4050 youths have gained employment through the DDU-GKY programme and the state government is ensuring full support to NSRLM to see that our rural youths have an opportunity to skill themselves thereby creating windows of employment opportunities,” he said.
Underscoring the need to skill unemployed youths, he asserted that skilled labour is one of the main drivers in achieving long-term economic growth.
‘Shake off your egoism and tribalism when you leave Nagaland and devote yourself to your work,’ he advised the graduating youths.
Joint Secretary of Rural Development and Mission Director of NSRLM, Imtimenla, informed that since the inception of the DDU-GKY under NSRLM, 6716 rural youths have been trained out of which 4050 have got job placements in different parts of the country.
She also revealed that the combined monthly earning of these youths is estimated at around INR 3.6 crore, with an average salary of INR 13,500.
“It is believed that at least 10-15% of this amount is going directly into the rural household families of the candidates. With DDU-GKY version 2 coming, NSRLM will identify and come up with courses which will better facilitate for foreign placement in the future,” she said.
Nagaland likely to co-host Employers Meet for NE
The NSRLM mission director also informed that the Ministry, reposing faith on NSRLM DDU-GKY, has suggested Nagaland to co-host the Employers’ Meet for North Eastern states on Dec.1 and 2, in collaboration with the National Institute of Rural Development.
This event, the official said, will witness top executives of not less than 100 companies coming to Nagaland to witness the opportunities of manpower availability in the NE first-hand.