Unemployment a huge challenge for State: Jacob

Public Health Engineering (PHE) minister Jacob Zhimomi on Tuesday expressed serious concern that the unemployment rate in Nagaland had become a major challenge, particularly with majority of State’s youth population being unemployed.
Speaking as special guest at the inauguration of the renovated Diphupar Village Council DVC) Hall-cum-Court at Diphupar here on Tuesday, he acknowledged that unemployment in the State was a huge challenge. He added that if one went through the government recruitment process in the past, it could be noticed that rampant recruitment was done without any appropriation.
He asserted that with a population of 20 lakh, current number of State government employees was sufficient to look after the needs of the citizen. “We have over one lakh government employees, yet we still face unemployment issue, which is a challenge,” he underlined.
The minister mentioned that in the recently-concluded Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) exam 30-40,000 candidates had appeared for around 500 vacancies, which reflected the high unemployment rate.
Jacob acknowledged that creating employment opportunity in the State was a huge challenge for all.
He disclosed that the State government was in the process of executing Personal Information Management System (PIMS) so that only after the employees got their PIMNS numbers and their names were uploaded on the portal, they would get their salary.
He explained that the State government was adopting PIMS to check the widespread forgery where one individual held two to three posts simultaneously and also to rectify the records.
Jacob clarified that fund for the renovation of DVC Hall-cum-Court was earmarked from Local Area Development (LAD) fund. He congratulated the villagers on successful completion of the project and hoped that it would help bring progress and prosperity to them.
He termed Diphupar as the finest example of democratic setup in the State, comprising of all the tribes, living in peace and supporting one another. He also applauded the manner in which all the tribes elected GBs and council members.
On recognition of two new districts under Ghaspani-1, Jacob remarked that it would not have been possible without public support and assistance at all levels, adding that, with the recognition, there would be requirement for infrastructure development. He claimed that the State government was giving priority to good roads.
“We are giving outmost priority for development and prosperity of all, particularly in improving rural economy. We want to see that the villages in the State are self-sufficient,” he added.
Jacob said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was emphasising on Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan (self-reliant India campaign) to meet the aspirations of people. He claimed that the State government was trying to bridge the gap between regional and national aspirations. We want to ensure that the two are aligned with the national perspective, which is also the vision of Modi,” he claimed.
Exhorting the gathering, North East Indigenous People Forum (NEIPF) vice-president Dr Lima Jamir described Diphupar as “Unique” in the State with all the tribes living in unity, peace and harmony as brothers and sisters under the able leadership of DVC chairman Ghuzui Shohe with no issue or problem.
He lauded DVC for the successful renovation and inauguration of the hall-cum-court, saying that the long-cherished dream became a reality with efforts and contributions from well-wishers. He hoped that the hall-cum-court would be used for welfare of the community.
Dedicatory prayer was proposed by Tangkhul Baptist Church, Diphupar pastor Dr Yuireishang Phingshok.
The programme was chaired by Zuthungbemo K Ngullie, while welcome address was delivered by the DVC chairman and special number was presented by Gladys Chishi.
Later, vote of thanks was delivered by Diphupar head GB Kekhwetsu Khutsoh.