MSME Promotion Council of India Nagaland Chairman, Lanuakum Jamir on Saturday called for a major mindset shift among the youth of Nagaland, urging them to move beyond dependence on government employment and embrace entrepreneurship, MSMEs and self-employment as the future drivers of economic growth.
Addressing an ‘Outreach and sensitization programme’ organized by MSME Promotion Council of India at Hotel Saramati, Jamir said the event was not “just another gathering” but a conversation about the future of Nagaland, focusing on opportunities, entrepreneurship, self-reliance and economic empowerment.
He stated that Nagaland possesses immense potential with its natural resources, skilled manpower and talented youth, but continued overdependence on government jobs remains one of the major challenges facing the state.
“For decades, government employment has been considered the primary career aspirations for many youngsters, youths. But today, we must openly acknowledge one reality: government jobs has become impossible, has become highly saturated and limited,” he said and urged upon the youths of Nagaland” to change their mindset. He said the situation calls for a major shift in “our thinking and our mindset”.
“We need to change and reset our thought process,” he added.
Jamir also urged the youths to understand that entrepreneurship, business, MSMEs, startups, skilled trades and private enterprises are not just an option, but “future engines of growth and employment”.
He pointed out that MSMEs contribute significantly to India’s GDP and are globally recognised as the backbone of the economy.
Highlighting about the training schemes, back-end subsidy, subvention schemes etc available for entrepreneurs in Nagaland, the MSME PCI chairman informed about the Chief Ministers’ Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI), besides PMEGP, CGTMSE loans etc.
He said financial literacy, proper documentation process, digital compliance support, market linkages, business mentorship and skill development were essential for the growth of entrepreneurship in Nagaland.
Jamir acknowledged that many aspiring entrepreneurs in Nagaland struggle with compliance procedures, GST filing, project reports, loan documentation and financial management, which often appear difficult and expensive.
To address these challenges, he announced that the MSME Promotion Council of India would launch a “Financial Compliance Program” by June 2026 to provide simplified and affordable compliance services for entrepreneurs, startups, SHGs and MSMEs.
Under the initiative, entrepreneurs would receive assistance in GST and business registrations, maintaining financial records, loan documentation, project reports and accessing schemes such as PMEGP, CMMFI, CGTMSE and NABARD-linked opportunities.
He informed that the council currently has offices in Dimapur, Mokokchung and Wokha, while a Kohima office is expected to be launched soon, enabling entrepreneurs to access handholding and compliance support across the state.
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Employment officer urges Nagaland youth to embrace skills and entrepreneurship
In a motivational talk, District Employment Officer, Gideon Sumi called upon the educated unemployed youth of Nagaland to shift their focus from government jobs to skill development and entrepreneurship, stating that employment opportunities in the government sector have reached saturation point.
Addressing the gathering, Sumi, who represents the Department of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said Nagaland currently has around 1.72 lakh registered educated unemployed youth, with Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts alone accounting for more than 28,000 registered unemployed youth.
He noted that increasing competition and limited vacancies in the government sector have made it difficult for many young people to secure employment through competitive examinations.
“As we are aware of the fact that the job opportunities in the government sector have reached a saturation point, the best option that we have now for the educated unemployed youth is to skill up and get self-employed. That’s where the picture of entrepreneurship comes,” he said.
Describing entrepreneurship as more than just earning money, Sumi said it was about identifying opportunities where others see obstacles and having the courage to take unconventional paths.
He encouraged the youth to transform themselves like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, stressing the importance of self-discipline, creativity, decision-making ability and leadership qualities in becoming successful entrepreneurs.
Citing global entrepreneurs such as Jack Ma, Mark Zuckerberg and N. R. Narayana Murthy, Sumi said successful entrepreneurs started with limited resources but succeeded because they believed in their vision and learned from failures.
Referring to Jack Ma’s repeated failures before establishing Alibaba, Sumi stressed that aspiring entrepreneurs must be willing to accept setbacks and build resilience.
“To become an entrepreneur, you have to get up eight times if you fall seven times,” he remarked.
Highlighting the importance of skill development, Sumi said technical training and certification are essential for accessing financial support from banks and government schemes.
Sumi further encouraged young participants to identify their interests and strengths before venturing into entrepreneurship and advised them to actively engage with financial institutions and training agencies present at the programme to clear their doubts and gain guidance on business opportunities.
Awalo Keppen, Manager, Nagaland Tool Room and Training Centre (NTTC) share insights about the opportunities for youths in entrepreneurship through skill development training.
On the occasion Best VC Awards were presented to Achum Ovung, Pangloi H Phom and Supongtoshi.
