With government jobs unable to meet the growing aspirations of local youth, Nagaland is increasingly turning to skill-based training as a pathway to employment. The state’s Modern Mechanical Workshop-cum-Training Institute (MMWTI) has begun training local youths in the operation and maintenance of heavy vehicles and machinery, officials said on Tuesday.
Replying to a starred question raised by MLA Nuklutoshi in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Day 4 of the Eight Session of the 14th Assembly, Minister for Housing and Mechanical Engineering, Bashangmongba Chang, said the initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission, successfully trained 45 youths between October and December last year.
The training program provided hands-on experience in trades such as Backhoe Loader Operator, Track Excavator Operator, Tipper Truck Driver, Tandem Road Roller Operator, and Heavy Machinery Mechanic, equipping participants with practical skills that can immediately enhance employment opportunities in construction, infrastructure, and allied sectors.
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio expressed satisfaction that more Naga youths are undergoing technical training and entering in this line of work. Rio also assured that the government would be willing to provide additional funds, if required, to expand training programmes and strengthen skill development initiatives aimed at creating more employment opportunities for local youths in the state.