127 youths shortlisted for employment as state faces over 70,000 unemployed
In a state struggling with high unemployment rates, the job fair organized by the District Employment Office/Model Career Centre, Mokokchung, in collaboration with the National Career Service (NCS), has brought a glimmer of hope. With over 70,000 registered unemployed youths in Nagaland, the event saw 127 job seekers shortlisted by five companies for potential employment.
As of April 30, 2024, Nagaland’s unemployment figures have reached a staggering 70,882 registered youths, with the highest concentration among graduates, who number over 21,000. Mokokchung alone reports 2,533 registered unemployed individuals as of July 2024, according to data from the Department of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the District Employment Office, Mokokchung.
The statewide unemployment as of April 30, 2024, according to Department of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, are as follows:
Meanwhile, in Mokokchung, the consolidated statement of Applicants (Job seekers) remaining on Live Register as of July 2024 are as follows:
According to Yimlikhumzuk Sangtam, District Employment Officer, Mokokchung, there will be more applicants that are not registered in the National Career Service Portal.
In response to these alarming figures, the District Employment Office (DEO) Mokokchung organized a job fair for the first time, aiming to connect unemployed youths with potential employers. The event, held at the DEO Mokokchung office, attracted hundreds of job seekers from various educational backgrounds. By the end of the day, 127 candidates were shortlisted for employment by the participating companies. The five companies involved were Longpok Holdings, Talent Acquaintance, SBI Life Insurance, NSDC & Skill India, and Jio Telecom.
The fair featured over 400 vacancies, including more than 20 local placements. Job positions ranged from Jio Point Manager and Jio Point Assistant Manager to HR Assistant at Longpok Holdings, Graphic Designer, SBI Life Insurance Sales Manager, Nurse and Hospitality roles in Japan or Germany, and Customer Support Executive (Voice) in Jaipur, Rajasthan, among others.
Sangtam emphasized the importance of such events in addressing the unemployment crisis: “This job fair is just one step in our ongoing efforts to provide opportunities for our youth. Depending on the success rate, we will organize similar initiatives in the future.”
Yangrosenla, a recent graduate job seeker, expressed her enthusiasm with MT about the opportunity, stating, “We are very happy for such an opportunity. I wish they would organize more events like this.”
Akumnaro, who had been unemployed for some time after graduation, also showed interest in SBI roles. She acknowledged her previous attempts at exams like NPSC and NSSB but appreciated the department’s initiative and hoped that more initiatives similar to this would be conducted in the future as well.
The companies will conduct further screenings and issue offer letters to the selected candidates, with notifications to the DEO upon completion of all formalities.
The District Employment Officer expressed gratitude to the participating companies, job seekers, and media houses for contributing to the event’s success. Sangtam also thanked the District Skill Committee (DSC) Member Secretary for his support, stating, “The collaboration with the National Career Service has been crucial in bringing this job fair to fruition. Our goal is to continue providing these opportunities, ensuring that job seekers have access to meaningful employment.”
While the job fair provided a temporary respite for some, Nagaland’s broader unemployment crisis remains a significant challenge. With over 70,000 youths still searching for work, sustained efforts from both the government and the private sector are essential to address the root causes of unemployment and foster a more robust job market in the state.