This column will project the opinions of the youths of Mokokchung on various issues that affect their lives directly.
In this edition, Mokokchung Times asks some youths for their opinions on the role of civil society organizations, student bodies; and the issue of rising unemployment. (Names have been changed on the request of the respondents)
MTNews: As a citizen, critique on the role of the civil society organizations and student bodies. How can they contribute better for the citizens?
Akala Imchen, Student (Graduate): Civil societies and student bodies have mushroomed in Nagaland ever since we gained statehood. No Naga can truly claim that he or she has not been a part of any civil society/student body. Unfortunately, these organizations have at times strayed from their purpose and served as tools for unscrupulous people with influence to further their agenda. Thus, in my opinion, civil societies/student bodies can contribute better by staying true to their cause and never stopping towards working for the interest of the people.
Achila, Student (Graduate): Lack of strong leadership and demands of justice on certain issues are delayed. The civil societies and the student bodies lack teeth in handling issues of present day.
If the above mentioned procedures are corrected and implemented, they will automatically contribute better for the citizens.
Ayu Pongen, Law Student: These civil societies can continue to contribute in helping the citizens on all political, social, cultural, moral and financial circles of the Naga society. As they work as middle man on issues, for example, between tribal clashes, illicit tax collection, human-rights violation, narcotics trafficking, prohibition, women-welfare, restoration programs and so forth, such issues have to be guaranteed and executed well.
Tia Aier, Student (Undergraduate): The student bodies and CSOs of Mokokchung or Nagaland as a whole can redesign, and revitalize the entire education system based on the new education policy which would allow the student’s fraternity to think beyond the box, and explore, and do research themselves, in order to ameliorate their thinking and analyzing skills to a higher altitude.
A Chishi, Student: The CSOs and student bodies can bring refinement and ease of life to the citizens by reaching to the voiceless people and voice out for those to the appropriate authorities. Even me, sometimes I feel scared to voice out/ sharing my opinion, considering the sensitivity of the people and Govt which contradicts democratic rights. Therefore, some people has to stand up without any fear or favor and work for the interest of the downtrodden and terror- stricken peoples who believe that they are oppressed.
MTNews: Comment on the current escalation of Unemployment in Nagaland. Do you believe the current educational system contributes to it?
Akala Imchen, Student (Graduate): The unemployment crisis in Nagaland is extremely serious. In fact, the situation is extremely dire that almost all Naga youths would admit to worrying about finding a gainful employment. There may be many factors that contribute to this problem, but one cannot deny that our education system also have a responsibility for the cause of this problem.
Achila, Student (Graduate): Unemployment rate in Nagaland at present is 24.7% and has escalated at a higher rate than any other state of North-East India and India, in particular.
Educational systems are to be blamed that there are other factors that has immensely contributed to unemployment, lack of infrastructures, poor-governance, lack of dignity of labor, corruption, etc.
Ayu Pongen, Law Student: Nagaland has the highest educated/qualified yet unemployed youths. The government alone cannot be blamed, there are number of factors for highest unemployment in Nagaland: lack of private sectors, discouraging entrepreneurship, etc.
Yes, it is high time we need to reform our education system and policies. We need a practical-based learning type of education system rather than traditional type of education which has led to more unemployment in the society.
A Chishi, Student: It is obnoxious for us to say that Nagaland alone is facing such crisis. Others too have their own share which is bigger and has the propensity to burst out while comparing with Nagaland population. The current education system has to be redesigned and embrace new ideas, so that, it makes a person to become self reliant. I cannot agree in toto that the current education system is escalating the crisis as in, why should we think that students studying from class A till the attainment of a degree or PhD is attributing to the cause? Not everyone is aiming to sit for the NPSC/ UPSC exams, as such, it is not wise on our part to calculate the number of students graduating every year and use that, in our comprehension towards the unemployment crisis. Nagaland has many scopes or areas where one can master up and employ others. Take the nearest example of YouthNet in Nagaland. Therefore, we can say that our education system should adopt a model of learning which involves vigorous and extensive practical learning in order to equip one with the required skills to become self reliant. If we are to understand the unemployment concept only from desires of getting a Govt job, it could be a disaster.