Vulnerability of the unemployed

Nagaland today stands at a troubling crossroads. With one of the highest unemployment rates in the Northeast and the second highest nationally, the state’s labor market has failed to absorb its growing workforce. The numbers tell a stark story: unemployment has risen from around 4–5% in the early 2000s to 16.07% in 2025. This sharp escalation reflects structural weaknesses, weak enforcement of economic policies, and limited avenues for job creation. The figures are not merely statistics; they represent the lived reality of thousands of Naga youths who leave home in search of opportunities. Metro cities across India have become magnets for young Nagas, drawn by the promise of employment in call centers, hospitality, and service industries. Their fluency in English and reputation for diligence make them attractive hires. Yet, beneath this veneer of opportunity lies exploitation. Many are underpaid, mistreated, or trapped in exploitative arrangements orchestrated by unscrupulous agents. The vulnerability of these youths is compounded by the high cost of living in urban centers. Even those earning seemingly respectable salaries struggle with exorbitant rents and daily expenses. Worse still, some are unwittingly drawn into illegal activities, lured by promises of quick money or misled by deceptive employers. This exploitation is not just an economic issue-it is a moral and social crisis that erodes the dignity and future of Nagaland’s youth. The responsibility to address this crisis cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the government. Civil society organizations, student unions, and the Church must play a proactive role in safeguarding young people. Awareness campaigns about the risks of urban employment, background checks on recruiters, and pre-departure counseling are essential. Equally, the state government must invest in skill development, vocational training, and local industries to create sustainable employment within Nagaland. The disconnect between aspiration and opportunity is at the heart of the problem. While the youth aspire to meaningful work, the state has failed to provide the infrastructure, investment, and confidence needed to generate jobs. This failure has left young Nagas vulnerable to exploitation outside their homeland. Media reports note that there has been large-scale mushrooming of beauty parlours, spas etc in several metro cities and many of them employ women/girls from the North-East as beauticians. More than 70% of beauty parlours, spas and massage parlours and Chinese food joints in some cities employ people from the north east. They are attracted by the lights and sights of bit cities to look for jobs. They are absorbed into low salary jobs but are also considered easy targets. There could be possibly hundreds of women and girls from the state, who are languishing in unwanted situation after being duped and forced to work with meagre salaries and living in terrible conditions. Collective action is now imperative. The government must strengthen enforcement mechanisms and expand opportunities at home, while civil society must educate and protect those venturing out. The Church, with its moral authority, must continue to remind both institutions of their shared responsibility. Nagaland cannot afford to let desperation push its youth into exploitation or illegality. The rising unemployment rate is a wake-up call. Unless addressed with urgency and sincerity, it risks becoming not just an economic statistic but a generational tragedy. Safeguarding the future of Nagaland’s youth requires more than rhetoric-it demands coordinated, sustained action.