Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio officially launched the Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM) on May 29, 2025, at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima.

In his address, Dr. Rio expressed his deep satisfaction at inaugurating the much-anticipated initiative, calling it a milestone in the government’s efforts to empower the youth through skill development and employment opportunities

He emphasized that NSEDM is designed to bridge the crucial gap between education, training, and employment, which is essential in today's fast-evolving job market. Stressing the importance of self-reliance and the dignity of labour, Dr. Rio encouraged young people to embrace change, adapt to the rapidly growing Indian economy, and equip themselves with market-relevant skills.

The Chief Minister also urged the youth to look beyond the limited opportunities in the government sector and pursue private enterprise with sincerity and dedication, contributing confidently to the state's economic growth.

Highlighting the role of the NSEDM digital portal, he noted that it would provide easy and affordable access to skill training and job opportunities, especially through the effective implementation of schemes like the Chief Minister's Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI). He congratulated the training partners and expressed optimism that their contributions would significantly uplift the state's socio-economic landscape.

In his concluding remarks Chief Secretary, Dr. J. Alam, IAS, emphasized that the event marked more than a ceremonial beginning—it signified the government's commitment to empowering the youth through skill development and employment opportunities, as outlined in the Chief Minister's Budget Speech for 2025-2026.

Dr. Alam detailed that NSEDM would be implemented in a convergence mode, bringing together all stakeholder departments under a unified framework to provide seamless access to the mission's services. He also noted that the government had allocated ₹35 crore in subsidies under the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI), benefiting approximately 1,600 entrepreneurs.

He highlighted that NSEDM aims to equip the youth with skills aligned to the emerging demands of the private sector, ensuring they are prepared for future industry requirements. Dr. Alam also acknowledged the pivotal role of training partners in shaping a developed and vibrant Nagaland, where youth have increased employment opportunities.

Encouraging the youth to seize the opportunities presented by NSEDM, Dr. Alam expressed confidence that the mission would significantly contribute to the state's socio-economic development.

Commissioner & Secretary to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, KesonyuYhome (IAS) who chaired the official launch of the Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM), provided an overview of the mission’s vision and goals. He stated that NSEDM aims to empower and employ 5,000 youth across the state by equipping them with market-relevant skills and fostering sustainable employment through focused training, strategic placement, and entrepreneurial development.

The key objectives of NSEDM include:

• Training youth in industry-aligned, market-driven skills
• Ensuring 60% to 80% employment or entrepreneurship outcomes
• Reducing dependency on academic degrees by promoting hands-on expertise
• Supporting self-employment through initiatives like the Chief Minister's Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI), skill loans, and incubation support

NSEDM focuses on high-growth sectors such as construction and skilled trades, tourism and hospitality, healthcare and caregiving, IT and the digital economy, along with encouraging entrepreneurship, micro-enterprises, and green and creative industries.

So far, three training partners have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with NSEDM: Eagle Crest, Pinnacle Skills and AISECT (All India Society for Electronics and Computer Technology).

The official NSEDM portal can be accessed at https://nsedm.nagaland.gov.in, with online registrations set to begin on June 9, 2025.

 

(Morotsung Longchar, IA)