Chizokho Vero
Kiruphema | May 26
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today challenged young Naga entrepreneurs to step forward and learn trades, assuring that the state government is always there to assist and support them. Inaugurating the Integrated Infrastructural Development (IID) Centre here, Rio said the government will build infrastructures but they would go in vain unless the young upcoming entrepreneurs show their seriousness and take up various industrial activities. “Building infrastructure is just a beginning”, he said. The success of the centre would depend on how the entrepreneurs put their effort and make the best use of the facility provided, he reminded.
The centre, which is strategically located along National Highway-39 between the commercial hub Dimapur and capital Kohima, is meant for upcoming entrepreneurs to set up industrial units, he said. Rio urged the Naga society to inculcate work culture. Unless one works hard, there can be no success or achievement; there is no shortcut to success, he reminded.
Also, stating that the Naga society is a consumer society and not a producing one, he said most products and goods are imported from outside the state. On this, he challenged the youths of the state to take up responsibility and contribute to the society. He assured that the government is ready to give all possible help and assistance to the young Naga entrepreneurs.
He said the government has been providing training facilities for the educated unemployed youth both within the country and abroad, to enable them to be equipped with basic procedures and to specialize in various trades. Pilot training and butchering, with German Technology would to be advertised soon by the government, he said. “We want our youth to build up their capacity”, he said and added that ‘we have to have consistency.’
The chief minister also said that the department of Industries and Commerce and Nagaland Industrial Development Cooperation (NIDC) must formulate viable schemes suitable for the state. The construction of IID centre involve nearly Rs. 5 crore, which was constructed by the ministry of Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises with 80% of fund from the centre and 20% as the state’s share.
The centre, spread over 50 acres, will house an industry set-up including a post office, a bank, a seminar hall and a common warehouse among others. Water and power connection has already been made and entrepreneurs can now occupy the centre by approaching NIDC and concerned DICs of the state. Bamboo-based industries, stone works, food processing, handloom and handicraft and honey bee units can be started at the centre, sources said. The department of Industries and Commerce is trying to bring the Toy Making Unit to the centre as well, sources said. In the meantime, efforts will also be made to have a school, health care and marketing facilities around it.
Nagaland Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie and Nuklutoshi Longkumer, chairman of the NIDC, also spoke at the occasion.
