AGOK organises ‘Krüta Nousi Kehou’

Angami Gazetted Officers’ Krotho (AGOK) organised “Krüta Nousi Kehou” with its units—SAGOK, NAGOK, WAGOK & CGOK, and Village Level Officers’ Krotho at Capital Convenwtion Centre, Kohima, on September 23.
According to a DIPR report, the programme was organised with Kicha/Rüna office bearers to disseminate information to the educated unemployed youth at grassroots.
Addressing the gathering as guest speaker, secretary of Works & Housing, Kesonyü Yhome stated that the state’s resources were shrinking day by day and so were the employment opportunities in the government sector.
He said there was significant loss of opportunities which were available within Nagaland, however, this can be easily gauged by taking into account the number of non-Nagas employed in the unorganised and private sector which otherwise could have been capitalised by Nagas themselves.
Disclosing that Dimapur had the largest non-Naga workforce with 32700 people, followed by Kohima with 10900 and Mokokchung with 2215 non-Naga workforces, Kesonyü stated that construction sector employed the highest number of non-Nagas followed by loading & unloading of goods in railways stations, bus stations and godowns.
The third largest sector employing workforce was in the trading and entrepreneurial activities such as running of small shops and ancillary business followed by groceries and ration shops.
Commissioner & Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Kekhrievor Kevichüsa remarked that the entrepreneurial spirit in Nagas was very strong, however, the entrepreneurs in the state have been failing over the years as they were unable to access the right environment, information etc.
In this regard, he urged upon AGOK members to take the responsibility in disseminating proper information to those facing financial constraints, accessing guidance and getting the right information.
He highlighted the importance, benefits and criteria of a scheme called PMRY under the department of Industries & Commerce which has been designed to provide employment to educated unemployed youth.
Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, additional secretary, Kovi Meyase said youth who aspire to set up enterprises should take advantage of the Leveraging Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC) and avail entrepreneurship Development Programme which will cover 60 candidates.
The youth of the state predominantly depend on the government as a source of employment, however, with saturation of the sector and limited industrial activities, there has been a steep rise in the unemployment rate in the state, he stated.
He stressed that a change of mindset was the need of the hour since government was unable to give employment to all the educated youth.
Retd. joint director, Agriculture, Vizonyü Liezietsu also highlighted the scope and prospects of Agri & Allied sector and how it would help one become self-reliant in.
He further emphasised on the benefits of crops commercialisation through different methods.
At the programme, keynote address and the way forward were delivered by AGOK president, Neilasa Sopfü while Akho Neikha & friends presented a special number.
Later, vote of thanks was proposed by AGOK vice president, Er. Nirei-e Nisa and invocation was offered by Khedi Baptist Church, Kohima, associate pastor Kezhakietuo Belho.