Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday acknowledged that the role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) not only boost the economy but a mechanism that create jobs for the youth.
Addressing the inaugural programme of the upgradation of Nagaland Tool room and Training Centre (NTTC) at New Industrial Estate near Sub–Jail junction as special guest, Rio said: “Around 120 million people are employed in the MSME sector and contribute around 45 percent of the overall exports from India.”
Also highlighting its potential in rural areas, Rio said about 20 percent of MSMEs are based out of rural areas and have a have a huge potential not only to ensure equitable economic growth but also providing employment opportunities.
Referring to Nagaland in particular, Rio said infrastructure development is the key to help Nagaland catch up with mainland states in terms economic development, adding “Nagaland is also the gateway of Southeast Asia and with the central government’s Act East policy, a great future beckons the state. Direct connectivity with Southeast Asia will give the state a huge market for its products.”
On the strength of the state in terms of scope for job creation, Rio pointed out that the strength of the State lies in its organic farm produce, rare medicinal plants and herbs, a young population fluent in English.
With investment in IT connectivity, the geographical remoteness of the state can also be bridged, he added.
On the general outlook towards employment in the state, Rio challenged the youth of the state to “become job providers instead of fighting to become servants,” adding that “people sought white collared jobs and feel it is second class to be entrepreneurs or work on their own.”
Industries and Commerce adviser, Imnatiba Jamir in his welcome address highlighted that the NTTC has trained 4000 students since 2006 and boasts of a 70 percent placement percentage, earning a reputation of being the most important employment generating agency in the state. Imnatiba also proposed an extended office on a 100 acre plot of land that was available in Dimapur, adding that NTTC envisioned reaching out to more youths and acting as a bridge between the education and employment.
Secretary, MSME, Government of India, Arun Kumar Panda in his address stressed on the three vital elements for SMSE to thrive: timely availability of credit, market access, and technology.
He urged students to inculcate the spirit of entrepreneurship and suggested the state authority to visit tool rooms in other states to get a different perspective. He also urged them to direct deputy commissioners to identify bright mind from all the districts and develop a healthy competition.
Panda also told dignitaries from the state that the Ministry of SMSE was keen in investing more money in the state for skilling and urged them to first initiate the process and seek assistance from the government.
Observing the State’s potential for its forest products and handicrafts, additional deputy commissioner, MSME, Piyush Srivastava , who also spoke on the occasion, proposed a centre for agriculture and rural technology and pointed out that agriculture needs to be mechanized in the State. He also said that while the NTTC in Dimapur currently focused on three verticals; automobile, manufacturing and electrical, there is scope for more.
Principal of NTTC, Er Petehetuo Miasalhou also highlighted the background of NTTC which started with strength of right staff in 2006 and now has eight officials and 50 staff. He said the aim of NTTC was to provide jobs to 500 youths every year for which it has achieved 85 percent of its ambition. He further stated that the NTTC in Dimapur was the only tool room training centre in the Northeast that provide a four-year diploma in tool training, including 30 skill development courses.
The other highlights of the programme were; a tour of facility by the chief minister and other dignitaries; the unveiling of the inaugural plaque of the new NTTC building with upgraded facilities; a dedicatory prayer by principal, Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Rev Fr Philip Magh; felicitation of the dignitaries; a song by students of NTTC; and vote of thanks by commissioner and secretary, industries and commerce, Lithrongla G Chishi who also chaired the programme.