Govt jobs cannot absorb all educated youth: Nagaland H&TE Advisor

Japanese Language Centre launched in Kohima

Kohima, JULY 15 (MExN): Government employment alone cannot absorb the growing number of educated youth in Nagaland, Advisor for Higher Education and Technical Education (H&TE), Temjenmenba, said on Wednesday, urging young people to embrace skill development, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.

Addressing the launch of the NSEDM, IDAN Japanese Language Centre during the observance of World Youth Skills Day 2026 at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima on July 15, he also encouraged students and job seekers to explore entrepreneurship and private sector opportunities.

He also stressed the need to acquire practical skills and adapt to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM) under the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) launched the centre to equip the State's youth with market-driven skills and enhance their global employability.

Temjenmenba said the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, has prioritised skill development through various initiatives, with NSEDM playing a key role in equipping young people with industry-relevant skills.

The Advisor said the Japanese Language Centre would open up overseas employment opportunities by equipping Naga youth with Japanese language proficiency, and called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to create more livelihood opportunities through skill development.

Sharing the vision of NSEDM, Additional Secretary and Project Manager, NSEDM, IDAN, Vineet Kumar said skill development and entrepreneurship would play a crucial role in shaping Nagaland's future. With government employment opportunities remaining limited, he said skill development has become essential for enabling youth to secure sustainable livelihoods through employment and entrepreneurship.

Kumar informed that NSEDM, established in October 2025, has trained more than 3,500 youth so far, while around 800 trainees are currently undergoing various skill development programmes. More than 1,000 beneficiaries have either secured employment or become self-employed through the Mission's interventions.

Referring to the Japanese Language Centre, Kumar said the initiative would equip youth with language proficiency to access employment opportunities in Japan and other international markets. He added that the growing partnership between Nagaland and Japan has made skill development one of the key areas of cooperation.

Kumar also congratulated the 15 youth achievers felicitated during the programme and reaffirmed NSEDM's commitment to expanding its programmes with the support of training partners and other stakeholders, the State DIPR added.