Nagaland has immense potential for micro-entrepreneurship to address unemployment issues: Advisor Moatoshi

KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 17: Nagaland Advisor for Labour, Employment & Skill Development, Moataoshi Longkumer today that Nagaland has immense potential for micro-entrepreneurship ventures that can address unemployment issues.
Speaking at the launch of PM Vishwakarma Scheme for Nagaland at De Oriental Grand here, Longkumer said traditionally, the population in Nagaland has majorly depended on Government jobs as a source of sustainable livelihood.
However, the saturation of jobs in the Government sector, combined with the lack of industrial activities and absence of organized private sector in the State, has hampered the employment opportunities of unemployed youths, he said.
With unemployment on the rise, entrepreneurship is viewed as a key solution to address and mitigate it, he said.
In this he stressed on the need to explore a path to economic upliftment through the revival and promotion of traditional skills that may seem unconventional in the rapidly digitizing world.
Nonetheless, he said while modernization and technology have their merits, we must not overlook the significant economic benefits that can be derived from embracing and preserving the rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship.
Saying that the Indian economy is contributed by a significant population of skilled artisans and craftspeople, he said they encompass a diverse range of trades, such as blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, sculpting and more and these individuals, often self-employed and operating in the informal sector, are collectively known as ‘Vishwakarmas’.
Nagaland has a large reservoir of traditional skills that encompass a wide range of crafts, from artisanal pottery to handloom weaving, from woodworking to traditional agriculture, and many more, he said.
These skills have been honed over centuries and offer a wealth of untapped potential for economic growth and empowerment, he said.
Recognizing the value of these skills and providing the necessary support and training, a pathway to economic prosperity that is both inclusive and sustainable can be created, he said.
The promotion of these traditional skills can create employment opportunities, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.
The appeal of handmade, authentic, and culturally rich products can open up new markets and export opportunities, contributing to economic growth, he said.
In addition to economic benefits, the revival of traditional skills can also help preserve cultural heritage. These skills are often deeply rooted in a community’s history and traditions and by preserving and passing them on to future generations, we ensure the continuity of our cultural identities, which can have positive economic implications, particularly in the tourism sector, he said.
Calling all to embrace the Naga traditional heritage as a source of economic growth and empowerment for all, Longkumer said the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is custom made design for Nagaland which perfectly fits into our social and customary practices that have the potential to change the economic scenario of the State.
(Page News Service)