In Tzürangkong range, Mokokchung District, like in other parts of Nagaland, many young people find themselves trapped in a cycle of educated unemployment despite the region’s potential. To empower the youth and address this pressing issue, the Tzürangkong Students’ Conference (TKM) organized a seminar on human resources on Saturday, 26 October, at Government High School Tzürangkong, Watiyim. Themed “Unlocking Potential,” the event gathered about 139 youths to discuss the need for skill development.
Rumbemo T Kithan, NCS, SDO (C) & Border Magistrate, Tzürangkong, pointed out that while human resources are the backbone of any nation, the current educational framework often fails to equip students with the necessary skills for today’s job market. “The Nagaland education system lacks quality education and vocational skills,” Kithan said, adding that the emphasis on rote memorization rather than practical application is a barrier to creativity and innovation.
Er T Imlisunep Ao, Principal of GITI Mokokchung, speaking on the topic of job and market skills, stressed how Nagaland continues to seek funds from the center despite its own potential. He highlighted that the High Courts of Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur were completed within five years, while Nagaland still requires more than Rs 300 crore, even though all the high courts’ foundation stones were laid in the same year.
Er Imlisunep also shared that, during his time, farmers were looked down upon, but today, things have changed. According to him, the entire primary and secondary education system requires revamping to “make children creative.” He also stressed the importance of skills, asking, “Do you have any skills if you can’t get a government job?”
He noted that only 2,200 shops are registered under the Mokokchung Municipal Council as of September 2023 and lamented how young people are “not skilled,” resulting in low earnings compared to their skilled counterparts.
“A salesperson or a sales executive who sits in a shop all day earns Rs 3,000 to 4,000 a month. In contrast, a skilled electrician, mason, or plumber can earn Rs 3,000 to 4,000 in just a day. That is what skills can do.”
Acknowledging the demand sectors in Nagaland—agriculture, construction, tourism, healthcare, and pre-nursery teaching—the engineer highlighted the ample opportunities for skilled individuals.
“Even in Mokokchung town alone, there are 150 RCC buildings under construction, which means there are many opportunities for those who are skilled,” he said.
The engineer asserted that if one is skilled, there is no way one will be unemployed. “Our school syllabus does not teach us the necessary skills,” he said, adding, “If we lack skills in life, our journey often feels like struggling against the tide.”
In addition, he emphasized the importance of skills, stating, “Without skill, your life is going to be difficult.” The engineer also held another session during the day under the theme “Innovative Farming.”
Toshimenla, representing RBI, Moneywise Centre for Financial Literacy CFL Mangkolemba, gave a short presentation on “Understanding Financial Literacy.” She highlighted available loans, such as the Mudra Scheme. Arensangla spoke on how savings is not about how much you earn, but how much you save. Temjentoshi discussed PM Vishwakarma and its benefits for artisans.
Imotemsu Ao, IFS, DCFM, ICRFE-Rain Forest Research Institute Jorhat, talked about “Success in Civil Service Examinations,” while Dr P Tiatemsu, Associate Professor in the Department of Botany, FAC Mokokchung, discussed “Higher Education and its Scope.”
Pangertoba, President of TKM, told MT that as Tzürangkong turns into a potential industrial hub with raw materials and resources, the youth have been lacking the key to unlocking their potential. He noted that the rate of success in civil services in the Tzürangkong range, compared to other ranges, has been relatively low and expressed hope that seminars like this one can change that.
“The Tzürangkong range has been lacking proper guidance, motivation, and inspiration; therefore, an event like today will be really helpful,” the president said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the resource persons who, despite their long and tiring journeys, sacrificed their time to attend the program. He extended his acknowledgement to Bendangnangba and Pangjungkaba for their initiative.
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