Kohima, Nagaland, September 2 (HBTV): The issue of unemployment in Nagaland took centre stage at the 7th session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly today, as member Hekani Jakhalu initiated a discussion under Rule-50 on matters of urgent public importance.

Highlighting disturbing statistics, Jakhalu said Nagaland continues to record one of the highest unemployment rates in the country at 7.1%, against the national average of 3.5%, with youth unemployment between the age group of 15–24 soaring to 27.1% in 2023–2024.

Calling unemployment “a symptom” and unemployability “the illness,” she pointed to gaps in the education system, lack of skill training, and societal pressure that pushes youth into seeking only government jobs.

“Over the next 15–20 years, our young people will be at the centre of Nagaland’s social, political, and economic affairs. If we fail to equip them today, the future of ‘Vikshit Nagaland 2047’ will be at risk,” Jakhalu warned.

Jakhalu pressed for urgent interventions such as upgrading education, expanding vocational training, creating apprenticeships, promoting entrepreneurship, and ensuring better infrastructure in the power and road sectors to attract private investment.

Jakhalu also underlined the role of parents, teachers, and youth themselves in addressing the challenge. “Parents must stop pressurising children for government jobs, teachers must prepare students for the modern workforce, and youth must step out of their comfort zones to acquire skills,” she stressed.