Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday said that the Government of Nagaland can provide only about 2,000 new open recruitment opportunities annually, stressing that the remaining youth must engage in other economic activities beyond government employment.
Addressing the 70th Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) Conference at Chungtia Village, the Chief Minister said, “The Government of Nagaland has made an assessment that every year over 2000 new open recruitment in competition will be carried out”.
Emphasizing that education alone is insufficient, Dr Rio said education must focus on skill-building, innovation and motivation to be meaningful in today’s competitive world.
While lauding the Ao community for having the highest literacy rate in Nagaland, he noted that the state now ranks third nationally in literacy after Kerala and Mizoram. However, he cautioned that literacy without application brings no benefit.
“Being literate is not enough. Knowledge and education, if left unutilized, will not bring any benefit to us,” he said, adding that 95.7 percent literacy must translate into vocational skills and specialization.
“In this age of meritocracy, everything needs excellence. Good is not enough,” the Chief Minister stressed.
Dr Rio acknowledged that AKM, nearing 96 years since its establishment, has played a visionary role guided by its motto “For the Nation.” He said the student body and its leaders have served as a beacon of hope for Naga society, especially during times of hardship.
Calling investment in knowledge the best way to secure the future, the Chief Minister said there is now an urgent need to elevate the standard and status of educators and academics.
Recalling the early days of the Ao Milen, he noted that despite restrictions and hardships, such publications were established to educate and create awareness. In contrast, he said, the modern world is now at people’s fingertips due to globalization and digital access.
Dr Rio urged Nagas across generations to remain united, foster mutual respect, teamwork and collective responsibility, warning that societal fragmentation threatens progress.
“When a family is divided, the family cannot stand,” he said, cautioning against excessive individualism, clanism and tribalism.
“We talk about Nagaism, but often behave otherwise. Our thoughts and actions must truly reflect unity under one guiding principle,” he added.
The Chief Minister called on the people to rise above narrow interests for the greater good of the Naga nation.
