Imnatiba, MLA & Advisor, Industries & Commerce and Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Nagaland formally inaugurated the Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Longleng at Pongo in the presence of Minister for Health & Family Welfare, S. Pangnyu Phom and Deputy Commissioner, Longleng, Dharam Raj on 9th January 2023.
Addressing the gathering, Imnatiba said that since the upgradation of Longleng as a district headquarter in the year 2004, the district has been witnessing tremendous changes gradually in all round development activities for the Phom community and the people of Longleng. Briefing on the importance of ITI institutions, he said it provides skills, training and certificates to qualify for a government job or to set up their own business for self-sufficiency. Imnatiba said that there was a time in the past where Government jobs were provided based on certificates without quality education and skill development. However, in the present context, the world has changed so much that without quality skill and technical knowledge, we cannot be qualified for a job opportunity both in the public and private sectors. He also informed that unlike in the past, the MLA or a Minister cannot provide jobs based on their certificate without skill development.
Imnatiba appealed to the leaders to provide awareness on the importance of the ITI institution so that the students are well aware of the present scenario and develop their skills with dedication during their training period. He advised the people not to depend on government schemes and salaries alone but to take up potential business by utilizing the natural resources and fertile land for sustainable living and boost their economy. Informing that business and trades connect people, he exhorted the people to explore the already available God given potential resources which are organic in nature to uplift the social economy condition of the people.
The host, S. Pangnyu Phom in his speech, clarified that the ITI institute established under Pongo jurisdiction is meant for the entire people of Longleng and Pongo village is the guardian of the institution. Therefore, he urged the Pongo Village Council and the landowners to take the ownership with full responsibility of the ITI for the entire Phom community. Pangnyu informed that the ITI will provide training skills along with a certificate for job opportunity, and dropout and poor students who cannot go outside for further studies will be given the privilege to build their career. He appealed to the gathering to avail the opportunity provided by the Government wisely for the progress of the people without any hindrance to any development activities taking place in the district.
Deputy Commissioner, Longleng, Dharam Raj IAS in his short speech asserted that Nagas have inborn talent and skills, and if given the opportunity to train properly in the technical skills, would get more job opportunity, especially the unemployed youth. Enumerating on various streams and trades which the ITI can provide to create job vacancies, the DC urged the department to focus more on additional training along with the traditional training to boost service sector in the State.
Er. H. Alongse, Deputy Director, ITI Kohima while highlighting on the project, said that the ITI Longleng was estimated for Rs. 6 crore and 20 lakh excluding the machineries and equipment which will come in the second phase. He appealed to the landowners and the Pongo Village Council to create cordial relationship with the department for all round development of the institution. Alongse also apprised that the department is moving for creation of post to ITI Longleng, Kiphire, Peren and Dimapur. The ITI Longleng will function by July and August 2023, he added.
Earlier, the dedicatory prayer was pronounced by Metlau Phom, Pastor, Pongo Baptist Church (PBC) followed by welcome address by Chairman, Pongo Village Council and special number by Akong, Youth Pastor, PBC. The programme culminated with closing remarks by the chairman of the programme, Er. Imlisunep, Principal Government ITI, Mokokchung.
(DPRO Longleng)
