(NSRLM holds combined induction programme for trainees)

Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsübo Jamir, today urged young trainees under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) to learn with sincerity, respect their work and return to their villages to inspire others.

He was speaking as special guest at the Combined Induction Programme of DDU-GKY Trainees Nagaland, held at Noune Resort, Seithekema-A Village, under the theme "One Platform, New Skills, Countless Opportunities." The programme was organised by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM). 

Jamir said youth empowerment must be holistic and goes beyond giving young people jobs. It means giving them the confidence to face the future, skills suited to a changing job market, and the ability to stand on their own feet and support their families. 

Calling the youth the real strength of Nagaland, he said a well-skilled young population could make the state an economic powerhouse. He cited the state Directorate of Economics and Statistics' projection that Nagaland's population will rise to around 23.67 lakh by 2030.

He left the trainees with three reminders. First, learn with sincerity, not just for a certificate but for life. Second, respect work, since no work is small. Recalling Mahatma Gandhi's words on the dignity of labour, he said trainees placed in hotels in metro cities or on cruise ships abroad are ambassadors of Nagaland. Third, come back and inspire. "One employed youth can inspire ten others," he said, urging them not to forget their villages and roots.

He said the government would create the platform, but the trainees must do the work. He assured them of the government's full commitment to youth empowerment, skilling and employment generation. He also thanked parents for trusting the government with their children's training and placement, and congratulated the NSRLM team and Mission Director Moa Sangtam for mobilising youth from every block.

In his welcome and keynote address, Moa Sangtam, Joint Secretary, Rural Development and Mission Director, NSRLM, said that besides promoting SHGs and their livelihoods, NSRLM has implemented DDU-GKY for the past eight years to create employment for members of SHG families, particularly youth.

Under DDU-GKY 1.0, since FY 2018-19, NSRLM has trained 8,837 candidates in residential programmes, of whom 6,129 have been placed across the country, including internationally. 

Under DDU-GKY 2.0, rolled out from FY 2025-26, 481 candidates have been trained and are undergoing placement.
At present, 800 candidates are undergoing training at 17 centres in Dimapur, apart from one at Jetwings Foundation in Guwahati for the Cabin Crew trade. 

The mission's training target for FY 2025-28 is 7,625, of which 1,423 are earmarked for captive employers. The rest has been allocated to 19 Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) across sectors.

Parents of two former trainees shared testimonials. Ketholeho Kera is the father of Kevirenu Kera of Jakhama Block, a dining steward with Cunard Cruise Line in Southampton, London. Narola is the mother of Beduhu Rokha of Chümoukedima Block, a steward at Denissons Beach Resort in Karnataka.