Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio during the launch of the Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM) on May 29.
NSEDM portal to open June 9; 1,600 entrepreneurs to benefit under CMMFI
KOHIMA, MAY 29 (MExN): The Government of Nagaland has earmarked Rs 35 crore in subsidies under the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI), aimed at supporting approximately 1,600 entrepreneurs as part of its ambitious new skill development drive.
The announcement was made during the official launch of the Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM) by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex in Kohima on May 29.
Chief Secretary Dr J Alam, IAS, said the subsidy allocation represents a significant financial commitment to youth-led enterprises and is a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to boost employment and self-reliance through targeted intervention. “This is not merely a ceremonial launch — it signals a convergence-based approach to empowering the youth of Nagaland,” Dr. Alam stated.
He emphasized that NSEDM would unify various departments under a single framework to provide seamless access to training, finance, and placement opportunities. The mission is expected to equip young people with industry-relevant skills tailored to evolving private sector demands.
Chief Minister Rio, in his address, described the launch of NSEDM as a landmark initiative that aligns education and training with employment needs. “Our youth must embrace change, adapt to the fast-growing Indian economy, and develop skills that make them employable and entrepreneurial,” he said.
Rio stressed that the time had come for young Nagas to look beyond limited government vacancies and instead explore opportunities in the private sector and enterprise. “There is dignity in labour, and self-reliance is power,” he said. He also highlighted the role of the newly launched digital portal — nsedm.nagaland.gov.in — which will facilitate online registration starting June 9. The platform will enable easy access to skill training, job placement, and support schemes like CMMFI.
The Chief Minister congratulated the training partners onboarded so far, expressing hope that their contributions would help transform Nagaland’s socio-economic landscape.
Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister, Kesonyu Yhome, IAS, who chaired the event, stated that NSEDM aims to skill and employ 5,000 youth across the state. The key objectives include training youth in market-aligned sectors, achieving 60% to 80% employment or entrepreneurship outcomes, and reducing reliance on academic degrees by promoting hands-on expertise.
Yhome said the mission also supports self-employment through skill loans, incubation support, and micro-finance, with a strong focus on high-growth sectors such as tourism, healthcare, construction trades, IT, and creative industries.
So far, three training partners — Eagle Crest, Pinnacle Skills, and AISECT (All India Society for Electronics and Computer Technology) — have signed Memorandums of Understanding with NSEDM.
Dr. Alam urged the youth to seize the opportunities being created. “This mission is about preparing for the future. With the right support, our youth can power Nagaland’s growth story,” he said.
