Research examines reasons for youth unemployment in Nagaland

A study published in the International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews in August 2023 sheds light on Nagaland’s severe youth unemployment issue. The study, authored by Avibou Nagi and Dr. Besii Kholi and titled “A Study on Youth Unemployment in Nagaland: Employment Prospects and Opportunities,” provides an in-depth look at the state’s challenging employment landscape.

The research highlighted a disturbing trend of rising unemployment rates in Nagaland. Data from the Nagaland Economic Survey 2021-22 indicates that as of December 31, 2021, there were 77,746 individuals registered with employment exchanges. This figure underscores a significant mismatch between the increasing supply of labor and the state’s capacity to provide adequate job opportunities.

The research identified some key issues:
Lack of skilled & semi-skilled labour: Most of the skilled workers are mainly manned by non-locals and migrant workers in Nagaland. Despite efforts to enhance vocational training, such as those provided by Industrial Training Institutions, there remains a significant deficit in local skilled and semi-skilled workers. In 2022, 682 trainees completed various vocational programs (e.g., electrician, mechanic, plumbing), yet this number is insufficient to meet the state’s demand. The study suggests that reliance on non-local and migrant workers for skilled positions further exacerbates the problem, highlighting the need for more effective local training and development programs.

Dependency on Government jobs: Government employment is highly coveted in Nagaland, with 123,182 individuals employed as of March 2021, surpassing the state’s actual requirement. This heavy reliance on government jobs stifles entrepreneurial ventures and other employment opportunities. The study points out that this trend limits the exploration of alternative career paths and hinders economic diversification.

Lack of Industries and Investment: Nagaland remains industrially backward even after 59 years of statehood due to factors such as the land-holding system, insurgency, poor infrastructure, and mismanagement of funds. Previous industries like Nagaland Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd and Nagaland Sugar Mills Co. Ltd have failed, limiting new business opportunities.

Work ethics: The study observed that Nagaland’s traditional work culture, centered on agriculture and communal self-sufficiency, has shifted dramatically with modernization. Historically, Nagas worked collectively in agriculture, with the principle of “work and eat” ensuring food security for families. Money and formal employment were largely absent. Today, many Naga parents prioritize formal education for their children, aiming for government jobs rather than manual labor. This shift reflects a broader societal change, where traditional values of hard work and manual skills are overshadowed by aspirations for white-collar jobs. As educational and economic aspirations evolve, the respect for traditional work ethics has diminished, it notes.

The paper notes that the Nagaland government has introduced several initiatives to combat unemployment and boost economic growth. Key facilities include the Nagaland Mini Tool Room & Training Centre, the Industrial Growth Centre, the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency, and Border Trade Centers. These centers aim to generate job opportunities and drive economic development.

To align vocational skills with education, the Nagaland Board of School Education and Samagra Shiksha Nagaland, in partnership with Lend Hand India, have launched vocational programs. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 supports this integration, with institutions like the Nagaland Tool and Training Centre offering courses in areas like CNC machine operation and desktop publishing.

The study also noted how entrepreneurship is crucial for growth, with potential in sectors such as food processing, textiles, and tourism. To encourage entrepreneurial ventures, the government has implemented various schemes, including the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY). Additionally, the Nagaland Start-up Policy 2019-2023 aims to position Nagaland as a leading start-up hub in the Northeast. Partnerships with organizations like YouthNet are also supporting these efforts.

The state government is promoting agro-based industries such as food processing and livestock farming through policies and fiscal incentives. “Nagas are yet to explore and utilize agro-based and allied sectors to its maximum potential, which is one of the key areas to tackle economic failure and unemployment in the state,” the study said.

Further, the study pointed out how the private sector is critical to economic growth and poverty reduction but cannot act alone. “The government plays a central role in supporting this sector. It must encourage the private sector to become more productive, cost-effective, and profitable. Private sector reforms can help reduce unemployment and lessen dependency on government jobs,” it added.

The study encouraged the Public Private Partnership model because employment generation in the private sector can be more in the private sector compared to the government sector.

“Setting up private sectors of different levels for self-employment and also generating employment for others should be the goal of the youths instead of just being an employee or depending on the government,” it said.

The study highlighted how the IT sector can provide employment in the following ways: BPO services through telecommunication, advertising, print, film, multimedia, Electronic, Information and Communication Technology, etc.

“Nagas have only scraped the surface of the IT sector and as such this should be one the focus areas as the opportunities in this area are huge as it is both labour-creating and labour saving,” it added.

The study found that from a survey they conducted, 72% believe the government is not providing sufficient job opportunities, indicating a high dependency on government employment. This highlighted the need for better dissemination of information about available schemes and opportunities.

The study also encouraged Vision 2030 Nagaland that focuses on skill development and employability, which will not only enhance the youth but also boost employment and the state’s economy.

MT