‘Voice of youth is growing stronger’

Six legislators seek to form a ‘Young Legislators Forum’

Kohima, March 28 (MExN): The voice of the youth is growing stronger in Nagaland, asserted Merentoshi R. Jamir, Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Nagaland. In his keynote address at the Annual Day function of the Young Indians organization at Hotel Vivor, Kohima, Merentoshi said the presence of youth is becoming very strong and dynamic at levels of the Government. “The people of Nagaland also seem to feel this need and have expressed it by electing six members to the Legislative Assembly who are below the age of 40,” said Merentoshi, who is the youngest elected legislator in the 2013 State Legislative Assembly. 

Merentoshi revealed that a process is currently underway to start a Young Legislators Forum comprising of the six elected members. We hope to address the problems of the youth of Nagaland and also be a voice of the young people of Nagaland, he said. 

Speaking on the theme “Leading Nagaland into the future-Youth & Entrepreneurship”, Merentoshi stated that in the modern context, the youths are no longer regarded the leaders of tomorrow but are considered the leaders of today. He said this is based on the reality that the youth make up 60% (up to the age of 40) of the population of India and constitute the foundations of the politics and economy of the country. “We are the voice that not only elect our leaders but guide their decision.” To this, he said that youth need to be aware of their importance and shoulder the responsibility with wisdom and courage. 

The minister revealed his intention to begin formulating new policies for the youth. “To begin with I have already discussed with the officers of my department to start initiating the process of setting up youth advisory councils both at the state level and districts,” he said during the public session of the event. He explained that the Councils intend to make the processes of the development of youth inclusive and participatory and to act as the eyes and ears of the departments, and to advise and assist us in matters relating to the youth affairs in the state. To set up these bodies, he called upon the representatives of various youth organistions and sought help on how to go about setting these bodies. “I hope that these policies are put into place at the earliest,” he said. 

For such policies to succeed, Merentoshi felt that Naga youths need to change their attitude. He felt that although we have advanced in many fields, we still have the mentality that Government is the only answer to employment, while adding that Government employment has reached a saturation point. He said it is unfortunate that the existing atmosphere in Nagaland is not conducive to investment for business and industry. He cited land tenancy system, banking system, and insurgency as the factors hindering the problems of youth and entrepreneurship. He pointed out the necessity for the youth to think differently, to find new definitions, new directions and innovate for our survival. 

While pointing out that opportunities are limitless, Merentoshi encouraged the gathering of young entrepreneurs and urged them to work hard with determination and dedication. He assured upcoming Naga entrepreneurs his readiness “to help, guide and assist in any way in order to empower the youths of Nagaland.” “Let us change so that we can bring about a better and vibrant Nagaland,” he stated.