Ajit Kumar Verma says Nagaland's educated unemployment cannot be solved through government jobs alone, stressing entrepreneurship, vocational training and skill development.
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MOKOKCHUNG — Speakers at a one-day sensitisation programme on skill development said Nagaland's growing educated unemployment cannot be addressed through government jobs alone, stressing the need for entrepreneurship, vocational training and a supportive ecosystem involving families, educational institutions and society.
The sensitisation programme, organised by the Ao Officers' Telungjem (AOT) in collaboration with the Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM), was held on July 22 at the Town Hall, Mokokchung, on the theme "Know Your Skills. Know Your Opportunities."
Around 90 participants from different parts of Mokokchung district attended the programme.
Delivering the exhortation, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, described the programme as "a wonderful initiative" and said it marked the beginning of a larger vision for the district.
He credited Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen for driving the state's renewed focus on skill development and entrepreneurship.
Verma said that although the gathering was modest, it represented a significant step towards preparing the district's youth for future opportunities.
Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat, he said nation-building requires a skilled workforce capable of meeting future economic demands.
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Highlighting Nagaland's structural challenges, he said the state remains heavily dependent on government employment, imports despite its fertile land, and has limited industrial development.
Describing the situation as a wake-up call, he said skill development is essentially value addition to human resources and can make a significant contribution to the district, state and national economy.
He emphasised that skill development can succeed only with a supportive ecosystem involving families, communities, educational institutions and the government.
While the government can create opportunities, he said the motivation to learn and improve must come from individuals.
"The difference today is in the skill set," Verma said, adding that countries and institutions succeed because of skilled human resources rather than access to resources alone.
He said Nagaland has immense potential in sectors such as bamboo crafts, handloom, tea, coffee and beauty services, and urged the state to build on these strengths.
With a young population, he said there is significant scope for developing small enterprises and local industries.
Encouraging young people to "start small but dream big," Verma said guidance must be supported by consistency, infrastructure and continuous mentoring.
He also pointed to the mismatch between education and employment, noting that many graduates possess academic qualifications but lack the practical skills required by industries.
He urged youth to focus on acquiring employable skills rather than merely collecting certificates.
Calling for the strengthening of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnic institutions, Verma proposed establishing a centre of excellence equipped with modern infrastructure, new-age trades and qualified instructors to prepare youth for global opportunities.
He also appealed to private partners to collaborate in strengthening the state's skilling ecosystem.
Urging all stakeholders to join the mission, Verma encouraged young people to invest in self-development, make use of available government schemes and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.