KOHIMA — In a decisive move to tackle youth unemployment and energize private enterprise in Nagaland, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday launched the Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM). The ambitious initiative, unveiled at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex in Kohima, sets out to train 5,000 young people with market-relevant skills, positioning the state for a sustainable, self-reliant future.
Chief Minister Rio emphasized the urgency of transitioning Nagaland’s workforce toward entrepreneurship and skilled professions, as traditional government jobs continue to dwindle. “To thrive in today’s competitive economy, we must shift our mindset and embrace the dignity of labour. Our youth must be equipped for industries that are growing and evolving,” he said, urging young Nagas to seize opportunities beyond government employment.
A key feature of NSEDM is its digital portal, designed as a centralized platform offering access to skill development programs, employment services, and financial support. The portal also integrates with existing state initiatives, including the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI), which has allocated ₹35 crore to aid around 1,600 entrepreneurs in accessing capital and incubation services.
Chief Secretary Dr J Alam highlighted the mission’s emphasis on convergence, describing it as more than just a symbolic gesture. “We are integrating the efforts of multiple departments under one framework, streamlining training, finance, and job linkages,” he said. The policy realignment aims to deliver practical outcomes by aligning training with the demands of the private sector.
Kesonyu Yhome (IAS), Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister, who chaired the launch event, said that the state intends for at least 60% to 80% of those trained to either find gainful employment or run their own businesses. “This is a strategic pivot from an academic to a skills-based approach. We are building capabilities, not just credentials,” he stated.
The mission targets high-potential sectors such as construction, IT, healthcare, hospitality, green technologies, and creative industries. By combining skill training with entrepreneurship development, NSEDM also promotes self-employment through access to loans, state-backed schemes, and incubation support.
To jumpstart implementation, the state has signed Memoranda of Understanding with three training partners—Eagle Crest, Pinnacle Skills, and AISECT—who will begin rolling out specialized modules. Online registration for interested candidates opens on June 9, 2025, through the official NSEDM portal: https://nsedm.nagaland.gov.in.