Nagaland: Yhome underscores necessity to find employment beyond government job

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Feb. 23 (EMN): Asserting that Nagaland has been facing a deficit budget for a long time, while the state does not have any industry or other source to generate revenue, Kesonyü Yhome, Secretary Finance and PWD, said the Naga society is a “salaried economy.”

He was speaking during the 27th biennial meet of Kohima Village Gazetted Officers’s Association (KVGOA) at Duolhou Garden, Kruoliezou in Kohima on Wednesday.

Coupled with new directions of the Central government to the states to release centrally sponsored schemes or funds within stipulated time, he said Nagaland government is facing a critical time due to its unstable finance position.

He stated that the new directives are affecting the cash management of the state.

Yhome also analysed that if the state government were to release INR 700 crores for the year plans 2021-22, Nagaland will have an overdraft, informing that about more than INR 1000 crores of centrally sponsored scheme is in the backlog, yet to be cleared by the state till December last year.

In the event, if the government releases such an amount, the state will face a longer overdraft period where it will not be in a position to clear government payments and salaries.

Reiterating that the state does not have any alternative source of income, there are scores of unemployed youth in the state.

Stating that many youth tend to be casual with their way of living being from the state capital district despite being unemployed, he asked  KVGOA to identify some unemployed youth from Kohima village and organise a tour for them to some neighbouring places like Eastern Naga areas so that they get exposure on how others are living and making livelihood. “If we are sitting in our own place, we won’t go ahead,” he said.

Apprising that vacancies in government jobs have reached the saturation point, saying that services are provided only on merit basis, he implored upon the workless to explore beyond the government jobs.

The official recommended imparting skill development like plumbing and internal electrification which could be an earning opportunity.

He advised the gathering how they can adopt at least one or two schools or health centres in the village and assist the government in such facilities for the welfare of beneficiaries.

Asking to continue maintaining the morung concept, Yhome underscored the need to pass on the art of weaving traditional shawl and cultivation through documentaries for the younger generation.

 He also advised the association to financially back youngsters in the village who are aspiring to appear for civil servant examinations while asking the gazetted officers to approach concerned departments where they can assist the authority in implementing measures to tackle water scarcity and traffic congestion in Kohima.

Neikiesalie Kire, advisor of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, also speaking on the occasion, said that people tend to hate politicians failing to give them recommendations while seeking jobs, reminding parents “the need to encourage their children to pursue their dreams instead of wasting their time looking for government jobs”.

He underscored the necessity to take up any job with dignity for survival.

The advisor reminded to continue having good fellowship with citizens living in the state capital.

He asked the KVGOA members to consult the Kohima village council for implementing smooth traffic regulations in their village.

Reminding to do away with grudges against one another, Kire also urged the members to hold frequent meetings for more understanding while working for the welfare of their people.

Dr. Vizolie Suokhrie, outgoing president of KVGOA highlighted the activities, plans and agendas of the association. Peter Phewhuo, general secretary, KVGOA and Neivotuo Keyho, treasurer, KVGOA delivered their respective reports.

The new team of KVGOA office bearers for the term 2022-24 led by Medozhalie Pienyü as the president and Ketouvizo Tseikha as general secretary.

Earlier, a moment of silence was observed in honour of the departed members of the association. An Angami traditional stole with the logo of KVGOA was presented during the event.