Advisor, Hekani Jakhalu taking part in the discussion during the first day of the Seventh Session of the 14th NLA at NLA Hall, Kohima on September 2. (DIPR Photo)
CM directs Department of Employment & Skill Development to study the matter and recommend solutions
Morung Express News
Kohima | September 2
The Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on September 2 held a discussion on the state's rising unemployment, described by Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio as a "burning issue". The debate highlighted a post-COVID-19 surge in unemployment and an over-reliance on government jobs.
Advisor for Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu noted that 40% of Nagaland’s population is aged 15 to 35 and stressed that youth will be central to the state’s socio-economic development in the coming decades. She said the proportion of educated youth is rising, but employment opportunities in both government and private sectors remain limited.
Jakhalu emphasised the importance of upskilling, adapting to new technologies, and promoting the dignity of labour. She called for improvements in education, internship and apprenticeship programmes, support for entrepreneurship and MSMEs, and investment in infrastructure to attract more private-sector jobs.
Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, urged the creation of structured wage systems under the Nagaland Minimum Wage Act 2025 and vocational training in schools under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
He also announced the launch of the “SOAR Mission” on Sept. 5 to upscale vocational programmes and strengthen certification and accreditation systems.
Advisor for Transport and Technical Education, Temjenmenba, highlighted the role of departments such as IT, Industries and Commerce, and Employment & Skill Development in producing skilled workers. Advisor for Law & Justice and Land Revenue TN Mannen stressed the need for an investment-friendly environment with reliable power and internet to generate jobs. Advisor for Social Welfare Wangpang Konyak said overdependence on government jobs, skill gaps, and unaccounted part-time workers contribute to unemployment, urging alignment of curricula with national and international standards.
Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along noted that unemployment among those aged 15 and above rose from 4.3% to 7.1% after the COVID-19 pandemic, with urban areas hardest hit.
MLA Dr Neisatuo Mero cautioned that unemployment could fuel social problems, while MLA Achumbemo Kikon called for policies addressing both educated and uneducated youth and promoting entrepreneurship.
As per the State DIPR, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described unemployment as a “burning issue” and outlined concrete measures.
He directed the Department of Employment & Skill Development to study the matter and recommend solutions.
CM Rio also highlighted government initiatives, including multiple skill development training institutions, a dedicated IDAN cell providing collateral-free loans for entrepreneurs, and programmes to develop handloom and handicraft products commercially. Rio stressed reducing dependence on government jobs and turning the current crisis into a foundation for a self-reliant future.
