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Dimapur, Sep. 4 (EMN): Self-reliant Nagaland is about strong enterprises, generating employment, and empowering people to come out and find solutions, said the minister for Higher and Technical Education and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along, during the declaration of Self-reliant Nagaland scheme. The winners of the contest from all the districts were announced live on Instagram on Thursday.
In an attempt to pave the way for economic growth in the state, Along introduced an initiative called Self-reliant Nagaland in June this year. The applicants were asked to share their concepts and ideas for start-up businesses and 13 best entries would receive a cash prize of INR 5 lakh each to help materialise their concept.
“I thank all the young participants from throughout the state for applying; was expecting 400-500 applicants at the most but I am overwhelmed with the 2000 plus entries,” said Along.
He informed that one winner was selected from all the 12 districts; while two were selected from Dimapur as it is a “big commercial city”.
He informed the viewers that the idea behind the project was also to have a team of young entrepreneurs from across the state and to encourage others to be self-reliant.
“The young entrepreneurs need to do something indigenous for a better future of our state and try to do something to change the lives of the people of our state, including our surroundings,” Along said.
The minister further assured that none of the participants were recommended by any political party, family, friends or officers.
“This has been chosen very wisely after studying all projects and proper honest decisions were made,” said Along.
Along further highlighted the unemployment crisis in the state along with the pandemic and hoped that in time, more projects such as self-reliant Nagaland can be introduced to encourage entrepreneurs.
“All deserve to build a self-reliant Nagaland and given a chance to do well; the government is trying its best, and we know we are going through a crisis all over the world,” said Along.
He informed that his team will get in touch with all the winners and conduct a webinar as soon as possible.
“We will want to see that the projects are not only supported but also successful,” said Along.