In recent years, the rapid urban expansion across Nagaland has brought with it a surge in construction activity. Yet, amid this visible growth lies an unsettling reality—the glaring absence of a formal system to evaluate and license the very individuals responsible for building our homes, roads, schools, and public infrastructure. Except for the electrical sector, where electricians and wiremen are required to obtain permits through the Chief Electrical Inspectorate, the rest of the construction sector operates without any competency verification system.
This gap has given rise to a deeply flawed and risky situation. Across towns and villages, it is not uncommon to find self-proclaimed skilled workers—mostly migrant labourers with no formal certification—carrying out essential construction tasks. In many cases, these workers lack real experience, leading to poor workmanship, wastage of costly materials, structural risks, and ultimately, financial losses for property owners and the state.
Meanwhile, every year, hundreds of local youth graduate from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) located across all districts of Nagaland. These young individuals receive technical training in trades such as masonry, carpentry, plumbing, welding, and tile work. Unfortunately, in the absence of a formal licensing or certification mechanism, these skilled workers are often overlooked and unemployed, while unverified workers dominate the job market.
The introduction of a competency-based licensing system for skilled labour is not just timely—it is essential. Such a system would bring wide-ranging benefits, including:
- Improved work quality with standardized safety practices.
- Enhanced employability and career growth for genuinely trained workers.
- Greater confidence among clients, developers, and contractors.
- Better regulation and oversight of the state’s labour force. But for such a system to be effective, it must be built on strong institutional support. The Labour Department should lead the development of a licensing and certification framework.
The Department of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Craftsman Training Wing) must establish robust training and assessment guidelines. Meanwhile, municipal bodies and district administrations should be tasked with maintaining an up-to-date database of licensed skilled workers.
Furthermore, similar to the model already in place for electricians, departments such as PWD and PHE can take the lead in certifying respective trades. For instance, the PWD could oversee licensing for masons, carpenters, welders, and tile workers, while the PHE Department could handle plumbers, sanitation workers, and fitters. Licensing examinations can be conducted periodically, with higher levels of certification allowing workers to undertake more complex or supervisory roles.
This system would not only help elevate construction standards but would also serve to empower our local youth, offering them the recognition and employment opportunities they deserve. By promoting a licensed workforce, we reduce our dependence on unregulated labour and create a more accountable and professional construction ecosystem.
Nagaland stands at a crossroads. We can either continue with an unregulated system that undermines our youth and our development goals—or we can move forward with a well-structured licensing framework that safeguards quality, empowers local talent, and ensures the long-term sustainability of our workforce.
The choice should be clear.
Kevichulie Chadi
President
Nagaland Electrical Contractors ‘ Union
Email:kevichadi101@gmail.com