Hekani Jakhalu
Concerned by the rampant migration of Naga youths to cities and settling for odd jobs prompted an urgent study. A study on Naga youth working in unorganized sectors like sales girls and waiters etc in Delhi, Noida and Gurgaon was concluded in July. This project was initiated by some young Naga professional based in Delhi and supported by Member of Parliament Wangyuh Konyak, T.R. Zelaing, Rishang Keishang and Mani Charenamani.
A field research, through interview was conducted on 250 working Nagas. Majority were females between ages 18-26 years. Many youths from Nagaland come to Delhi for education but as they do not get admissions to good colleges or regular classes they resort to working in unorganized sectors. Unlike their counterparts from Nagaland, most Nagas from Manipur come to Delhi with the sole purpose of looking for jobs. This raises our eyebrows on the quality of education in Nagaland.
The question that has been debated now and again is, whether the quality of our education is up to the standard?’ Or ‘Is it the marking system that needs to be upgraded?’
Most of our youth are simple and naïve and have very little knowledge about how to find and obtain a professional job for skill development and future success, and thus settle for menial jobs. Their dignity of labor is appreciated but also a matter of concern as they are more qualified and talented to take on better jobs.
Almost 95% it was found would rather work in their home State, if given an opportunity, where they would be able to reach their highest aptitude with the support of their family, community and culture.
The second question that needs to be pondered over is, ‘Are youths migrating to cities out of choice or out of compulsion due to scarcity of job opportunity in their own State?
Unfortunately, most of them believe that the government is not doing enough to support and communicate with the youth population. And many feel that the State government should make itself more accessible.
This is the understanding of the youth in spite of the government declaring the year 2004 and 2005 as youth empowerment year. The government than probably needs to restructure its policy on youth development through more transparency, accountability, communication and disclosure.
Though the youths have their grievances, they still pin their hope on the government. The Government, the Church and NGOs were equally rated as being important in being a support for guidance and direction. In spite of the instability and unemployment problem, youths are positive that there are ways to improve the status and opportunities of young people. There is a belief that by improving governance the State will be able to better monitor and channel the abilities and possibilities for the youth. The Study also showed that simultaneously through actively engaging and empowering civil society, all people will be better able to participate in the workings of the government.
The youth would like to learn more about the government, as they are interested in becoming active participants. They look forward to the government to conduct more training on capacity building, professional skills, have a stronger youth development policy, allocate more funds to youth development programs and also consult with the youth on policy and programs that affect them.
