Avitho-o Loucü
Nagaland, a small state of almost 22.4 lakh (as per 2021-2022 study- Unique Identification Aadhar India) located in the far North East region of India, has been battling with unemployment issue.
Back in 2017-2018, the unemployment rate in Nagaland was 21.4% (survey done by Periodic Labour Force) and now it has increased from 21.4% to 25.7% as per study for the year 2019- 2020.
One of the reasons why there are so many unemployed youths in Nagaland is because Nagaland lacks private companies, industries and most youths are pressured to hunt for Government jobs only sitting, sitting for various competitive exams which is already saturated.
I have met many of my unemployed friends who keep saying, “I am preparing for NPSC exams.” Yet the amount of hard work they put in is not even close to 5% of their time in a day.
Let's not talk about backdoor appointment happening behind closed doors. This issue will have its own reaction or karma at the right time.
If the unemployed aspirants desire to crack the NPSC exam, they have to close the doors of entertainment, leisure time and start studying for 10 to 12 hours investing their time into studying really hard behind closed doors.
Second option is to approach some VIP, politician connection to get the job through backdoor appointment which I don't suggest.
Third option is to learn some relevant skills like painting, haircutting, plumbing, electric wiring, tailoring, baking, welding, mechanics, carpentry, programming and coding, graphic designing etc, to be self-employed or get hired as a freelancer.
Finally, the last option is to become an entrepreneur and venturing into entrepreneurship through a star-up company and creating jobs for your local people. Example, BN Farm, Tuensang (started by late Chollen Chang), Ete Coffee (Lichan Humtsoe), Zynorique Consultancy (Architect Richard Belho), M/S Vilelie Khamo and Sons Company (Vilelie Khamo), Seyie Auto (K Seyie & family), Kuda Tech Skill centre, Dimapur (Er Petehetuo Miasalhou) etc.
Seriously how many of our people, societies, communities, NGOs give felicitation and appreciation to those above entrepreneurs who are creating jobs for our people? I mean, we have given enough felicitation and thanksgiving to politicians and government employees that were promoted to Chief Engineer, Director, Executive Engineer, EAC, class 10 topper or gold medallists etc but we have failed to balance and appreciate those entrepreneurs who are creating jobs for us. Don't get me wrong! I am not against any government employees. Just because he cracked NPSC and got EAC doesn't contribute or create jobs to his or her village or community in larger scale because he is an employee and his salary is limited to himself and his family. But if he or she starts a company, that does not only help in creating products or providing services to the society but also creates jobs for the unemployed youths. From now on, can we also appreciate and applaud our local entrepreneurs and give them a chance to help us with their products and services, instead of always trusting non local Marwari people?
It's been 5 years since I have been working in the construction sector running a small private construction firm (Eulogia Construction). I also run a private coaching centre along with my team located in High School Kohima (Hiekha Coaching Centre). Yet in the eyes of my friends, relatives and community, I am still an unemployed youth because I don't have a Government job or work as a Government employee.
I believe at the end of the day, it's not only about getting Government jobs but taking every opportunity that come along and work hard to earn a living. Remember not only Dr, Er, EAC or Government Employees are successful. You can be successful as a taxi driver, musician, professional YouTube, professional dancer, mason worker, private teachers, poultry man, piggery farmer, electricians, bakers etc.
Knock, knock… Who’s there?
Mr. Unemployment.
Mr. Unemployed who?
Mr Unemployment, enemy of Mr. Entrepreneurship.
The writer is author of The Ugly Duckling Nagas
