The Angami Gazetted Officers’ Krotho (AGOK) held its ‘Nounyü Rüchü’ on the theme “The ardent need to change the mindset and perspective of educated unemployed youth towards self-reliance” at the NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima on August 22.
In his address, AGOK President, Neilasa Sopfü expressed concern over the existential threat posed by illegal migrants across the state, particularly in Kohima and Dimapur. He stated that the unemployment problem in Nagaland is directly or indirectly affected by illegal Bangladeshi immigrants (IBIs), who occupy jobs ranging from menial labour to entrepreneurship.
Highlighting facts and manuals, he noted that the population of illegal immigrants in Nagaland grew at an accelerated rate of 181.67% between 1991 and 2021, warning that Nagas may become a minority by 2051 if the trend continues.
He also stated that the other reason for economic drain is due to the activities of IBIs, in business or in joint ventures, and further reminded the effect of intermarriage between IBIs and Nagas and the adoption of the migrants.
NAGOK President, Er. Vipulhou Lhoungu, in his brief address, shared his struggles as a young engineer and credited his success to God’s blessings, quoting Proverbs 16:3: “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” He urged educated unemployed youth to pursue training in various sectors and vocational skills such as painting, electrical work, and plumbing.
WAGOK President, Rokovisa Chase, spoke on India’s economic status, unemployment, the difference between private and government employees and the threats posed by IBIs. He encouraged the youth to shift focus toward private enterprise and self-reliance, noting that government employment has reached a stage of stagnancy.
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AGOK Legal Advisor, Vikhozo Vitsu, presented a detailed account of Nagaland’s business scenario, revealing that out of 23,777 shops in the state, 17,055 are run by non-locals. Citing Mizoram as an example, he noted that the Young Mizo Association has banned outsiders from owning or running businesses in their jurisdiction. He stressed the urgent need to address unemployment, economic control, identity threats, and supply chain domain in business sector and unregulated trade.
President SAGOK, Tepunol Yore gave an insight to address the unemployment problem by venturing into various activities in Agri and allied sectors. He gave a detailed explanation on the pros of cultivating commercial plantation crops, commercial horticulture crops, commercial aromatic, and spices crops.
President, CGOK, Er. Kekhrielhoutuo Nakhro in his short speech expressed the perspective of education system in the state. He mentioned NEP 2020 has a lot of advantages by giving skill development activities as well as vocational trainings. He added that by 2030 a stage of ‘working age’ is imminent therefore, addressing the youths, he encouraged them to be trained in any field promoting dignity of labour.
