Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: With jobs saturating in state government departments and 1.72 lakh registered unemployed youth in Nagaland, the Dimapur chapter of the MSME Promotion Council of India (MSMEPCI) has embarked on entrepreneurship development programmes.
The initiative focuses on government support for financial assistance through various schemes and skill development training programmes.
In this connection, the Dimapur chapter of MSMEPCI, the only localised hub helping entrepreneurs and local business owners access mentorship, credit linkages, and government schemes in Nagaland, organised an outreach and sensitisation programme in Dimapur on Saturday.
The programme aimed to familiarise unemployed youth with various government schemes, opportunities, financial support systems, and practical guidelines that can greatly benefit their business ideas and plans.
In his welcome address, state chairman of MSMEPCI Nagaland, Lanuakum Jamir, pointed out that government jobs have become highly saturated, limited, and almost impossible to secure in the state.
“This situation calls for a major shift in our thinking and mindset. We need to change and reset our thought process,” Jamir said.
Jamir called upon unemployed youth to understand that entrepreneurship, MSMEs, startups, skilled trades, and private enterprises are not just options but the only viable way to earn a livelihood.
He expressed hope that through this programme, MSMEs in Nagaland can benefit by spending less on professional compliance services and receiving guidance for GST and business registrations.
They can also get assistance in maintaining proper financial records, support in loan documentation and project reports, and better readiness for schemes such as PMEGP, CMMFI, Mudra Loans, CGTMSE loans, Startup India, and NABARD bank-linked opportunities.
In his motivational speech, Gideon Sumi, Dimapur district employment officer, underscored the need for skill development through government schemes.
“To become an entrepreneur, one must be willing to accept mistakes and failures. That way, you can train yourself to become a successful entrepreneur,” he said.
Manager of the Nagaland Tools and Training Centre, Awalo Keppen, briefed the gathering on various skill development programmes available at the institute.
Officials from various state government departments, bank representatives, entrepreneurs, startups, self-help groups, business leaders, village coordinators, and members of MSMEPCI Nagaland were in attendance.