Minister of Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, on Monday said it was crucial for Nagas to empower themselves with necessary knowledge and skills to capture the job opportunities in construction which were mostly captured by non-Nagas.
Kruse was speaking at the “Skill Proficiency Management” for building and other construction workers under the advanced training of trainers (ToT) 2022-23 held at Khonoma village.
The minister observed that since there was not enough government job for everyone, youths should get into activities which would enable them to earn their livelihood.
In this regard, Kruse said youths should now equip themselves with skills and techniques that would pave the way for personal growth and in turn help them generate income.
She advised the trainees to evaluate and identify areas for improvement regularly at the same time pursue further training and grow professionally.
She congratulated the trainees on successful completion of the first level of the and later gave away certificates along with tools including tile cutter, hammer drill and other appliances to the trainees and also handed out prizes including a circular saw to the best trainees.
Kruse also thanked NBOCWWB and ZIS for conducting the training programme for the people.
A total of 47 people from Western Angami region completed the week-long course which included training on plumbing, tiling and electrical.
The training was sponsored by Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (NBOCWWB) and conducted by the Zynorique Initiatives Society (ZIN).
Guest of honour at the closing programme, CEO, NBOCWWB, Chubayanger Aier, said government had been conducting training for the people.
He observed that people must have the desire to learn and upskill themselves in order to be more productive in their occupation. He pointed out that people should be trained for self-improvement and not just for loans and subsidies which has become an unhealthy trend practiced by many.
He observed that Nagas have an inherent aptitude to quickly learn, however, lack of discipline and consistency hampers the people from progressing further, he said.
He pointed out that construction was one of the biggest industries in Nagaland with around 25% of construction cost spent on labour fees, which, he added could be earned by local workers if they could fill in the places presently occupied by non-Nagas.
He encouraged the trainees to sincerely continue working with whatever they have learnt and in future could become ToTs after completing all the four levels of training (L1-4).
Giving a brief highlight on the training programme, chairman, ZIS, Ar Richard Belho said the training was conceptualised along with the district administration and line departments.
He informed that following the training, the trainees would be registered under Labour Department soon.
He said this kind of training programmes were expensive but has been conducted free of cost for the welfare of the people.
He encouraged the trainees to be disciplined, value time and resources, respect their uniform and strive to create an ecosystem. He assured all possible help in the form of handholding for the trainees to establish themselves.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, one of the trainees thanked the minister, NBOCWWB and ZIS for bringing the training programme to their doorsteps.
He urged his fellow trainees to make the best use of the knowledge and skills imparted to them and grow professionally at the same time help them earn their livelihoods.