Minister, Rural Development (RD) and State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Metsubo Jamir said there was an urgent need to address the pressing issue of unemployment through a concerted effort by government agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and individuals themselves.
According to a DIPR report, the minister was addressing the combined graduation programme for Deen Dayal Upadhyaya -Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU- GKY) by Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) under the theme, “Transforming rural youth into an economically independent and globally relevant work force”, Saturday at Lake Deck, Noune Resort Seithekema-A Village, Chümoukedima.
As unemployment continues to plague and affect not only people’s lives at present but also hampers sustainable long-term growth, Metsubo said there was urgent need to address this pressing issue through a concerted effort.
Speaking as a special guest, the minister congratulated all the DDU-GKY successful trained candidates, who are ready for job placement, and added that the graduation programme was a good indication and proof that youths of Nagaland were looking beyond government job as a sustainable source of livelihood.
Lauding the graduates for taking up alternate skilling besides the educational qualification, he said such action would be an eye opener for the thousands of educated unemployed youths that are prevalent in the society. The minister said providing education and training opportunities for all members of society not only reduces unemployment but also increases productivity and fosters innovation.
“When we invest in the development of human capital, we are essentially investing in the future prosperity of our nation,” said Metsubo. He mentioned that in today’s rapidly changing global landscape, it has become more important than ever to ensure that the workforce was adequately prepared to meet the demands and challenges posed by new technologies and industries.
The minister said, those of who have got placement within the state, should feel duty-bound to expose themselves to their fellow youths to be attracted towards alternative skilling activities like them. To those who have got placement outside the state, he said they should be models of Naga’s honest culture, so that the future of other youths who would seek employment in the future would have more avenues and be a good ambassador.
In a keynote address, joint secretary, RD and mission director, NSRLM, Imtimenla stated that since the inception, 6716 rural youth have been trained through the program, 4050 youths have been given job placements in different parts of the country. She said at least 10-15% of the amount earnings are going directly into rural household families and trained youths have got international placement in the UK, Italy, Germany and in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar.
Imtimenla highlighted that with DDU- GKY version 2 coming, NSRLM will identify and come up with courses which would better facilitate for foreign placement in future. Earlier, the minister handed over the offer letters to the trainees. The graduation programme began with invocation by Youth Pastor, Valley View Sumi Baptist Church, Y Vinika Shohe; speech on behalf of outgoing trainees was delivered by Pujie C Khiamniumgan and Rokono; exhortation on behalf of parents/guardian by NK Enock Najel and Y. Toli Chishi; vote of thanks was delivered by chief operating officer (skills), NSRLM, Menuoneituo Chadi.