An outreach and sensitisation programme organised by the MSME Promotion Council of India (MSME PCI), Dimapur, Nagaland, was held at Hotel Saramati on Saturday, with speakers emphasising entrepreneurship, skill development and self-employment as key solutions to the growing unemployment challenge in the state.

Delivering the welcome address, State Chairman of MSME PCI Nagaland, Lanuakum Jamir, said Nagaland possesses immense potential but continues to struggle with overdependence on government jobs. He noted that employment opportunities in the government sector have become highly saturated and called upon the youth to shift their mindset towards entrepreneurship and private enterprise.

Jamir urged young people to explore opportunities in business, MSMEs, start-ups and other entrepreneurial ventures rather than treating them as secondary options. He also spoke on various government schemes and procedures available for entrepreneurs to access financial assistance and highlighted the importance of financial literacy for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Manager of Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre (NTTC), Awalo Keppen, in his short address, highlighted the role played by the institution in supporting youth and entrepreneurs through skill development initiatives. He stated that NTTC provides both long-term and short-term skill training programmes that can be availed by the youth of the state.

Keppen further informed that NTTC works closely with entrepreneurs and innovators and functions as a Common Facility Centre (CFC), Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC), and an incubation centre under Start-up Nagaland. He added that the institution continues to work with youths, entrepreneurs and MSMEs in promoting innovation and enterprise development.

Addressing the gathering, District Employment Officer (DEO), Gideon Sumi, highlighted the seriousness of unemployment in Nagaland. He stated that the state currently has more than 72,000 registered educated unemployed youths, while Dimapur, including Chumoukedima and Niuland, accounts for more than 23,000 registered educated unemployed youths at the employment exchange.

Sumi said that with government jobs reaching saturation point, skill development and self-employment remain the most practical pathways for the youth. He added that entrepreneurship is not only about earning income but also about identifying opportunities where others see obstacles and having the courage to take the less-travelled path.

During the programme, Best Village Coordinator Awards were presented to Achum Ovung, Pangloi H Phom and Supongtoshi in recognition of their contributions.