Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen addressing the 44th Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang at Kobulong on January 8.
Kobulong, January 8 (MExN): ‘The Government of Nagaland does not have the capacity to create more job vacancies, resulting in fewer opportunities for government job aspirants each year.’
Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen stated this on Thursday while Citing the State Survey Report on Employment, Unemployment, Skill and Migration 2025.
Imchen was speaking as the chief guest at the 44th Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang (Asetkong students’ general conference) at Kobulong on January 8.
He informed that as per the survey, there are over 71,000 registered job seekers in the state, but a large majority of youths lack technical and vocational skills, with roughly 92% having no formal technical training.
Stating that private sector jobs often offer better salaries than government service, he cautioned that in the contemporary labour market a general degree alone will not guarantee employment and urged students to pursue education alongside employable technical skills.
While cracking competitive examinations is commendable, young people must also plan alternative pathways in case they do not secure white-collar jobs, Imchen noted.
Speaking from a Naga context, he noted that almost every Naga has access to land either resource-rich or fertile with rich flora and fauna yet the people remain heavily dependent on the central government.
He called on delegates to introspect “whether the fault lies with the land or with the people,” stressing the need to rediscover the self-reliant work ethic of the forefathers.
Imchen maintained that achieving self-reliance is key to reducing over-dependence on central funds and curbing excessive import of goods and commodities.
Stating that youth unemployment is “very high” and the state’s biggest problem, he asserted that it can be addressed only when individuals and communities embrace self-reliance, with the government playing merely a supporting “hand-holding” role.
He urged students to not only identify problems but also become problem-solvers, saying that meaningful “white solutions” must begin with the individual, family, church, village and tribe, as “no one will change it for you.”
Meanwhile, Amba Jamir, Policy and Development Strategist, delivered the theme address at the event. Short speeches were also presented by Asetkong Mungdang President T Imlitoshi Walling and Omajen Ozukum, EAC.
