Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen on January 8, 2026 stressed that self-reliance is essential to address the state’s growing unemployment problem, asserting that the government alone cannot provide jobs for the increasing number of aspirants.
Speaking as the chief guest at the General Conference of the 44th Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang (AKTM) at Kobulong, Mokokchung, Imchen cited the State Survey Report on Employment, Unemployment, Skill and Migration 2025, which revealed that Nagaland has over 71,000 registered job seekers, while nearly 92 per cent of youths lack formal technical or vocational training.
He stated that the Government of Nagaland does not have the capacity to create more vacancies, resulting in limited opportunities in government service each year. Emphasising that a general degree alone is insufficient in the current labour market, Imchen urged students to pursue employable skills alongside formal education, noting that private sector jobs often offer better remuneration.
While acknowledging the value of cracking competitive examinations, he encouraged young people to prepare alternative pathways if white-collar employment does not materialise. Calling youth unemployment the state’s biggest challenge, Imchen said the issue can only be addressed when individuals and communities take responsibility, with the government playing a supporting, “hand-holding” role.
Referring to the Naga context, he observed that most Nagas have access to land rich in natural resources, yet remain heavily dependent on central funds. He called for introspection on whether the lack of self-reliance stems from the land or from the people, urging a revival of the work ethic of the forefathers to reduce dependence and curb excessive imports.
Imchen further appealed to students to become problem-solvers rather than merely identifying problems, stating that meaningful solutions must begin at the individual and community levels, as lasting change cannot be imposed from outside.
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Policy and Development Strategist Amba Jamir delivered the theme address at the programme, while AKTM president T. Imlitoshi Walling and EAC Omajen Ozukum also delivered short speeches.
During the inaugural programme on January 7, Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, graced the event as the inaugural guest. He described the theme as a direction for life rather than a topic for discussion, stating that strength whether of a nation, community or individual is built gradually through persistence and discipline.
Drawing examples from Japan and Korea, Longkumer urged students to invest in education, discipline and collective effort to achieve self-reliance. He stressed that self-reliance is rooted in mindset rather than wealth, encouraging students to prepare for the future by building skills, fostering enterprise and avoiding dependency.
Highlighting the role of sports, Longkumer said sports meets should serve as platforms to identify talent, raise standards and channel athletes towards higher-level competitions. He added that sports cultivate discipline, teamwork and resilience, shaping not only athletes but responsible citizens and future leaders. Short speeches were also delivered by Vitolu, EAC Kubolong, and Takatemejen Pongen, EAC Kiphire.
