Naga Youth Employment Beyond: Boon or Bane?

Nagaland, a picturesque state in India’s Northeast, is home to diverse indigenous tribes and vibrant traditions. Nagaland has seen its youths steadily exploring beyond its homeland to seek employment opportunities. This trend is driven by several factors, including the lack of ample employment opportunities within the state, the desire for better prospects, and the thirst to explore new horizons. This phenomenon raises a crucial question: is working outside Nagaland a boon or a bane?

In a state where an individual is considered ‘employed’ only if they hold a government job, and the rest are often disregarded, having the courage to explore beyond the defined ‘employed’ status and stepping out of the state to seek opportunities is something to be applauded and proud of. However, sadly, not everyone who works beyond the state encounters a fairytale, as many fall victim to flashy vacancies and opportunities that, when embraced, turn into a dull reality.

Working outside Nagaland offers numerous benefits. Exposure to diverse cultures, industries, and work environments can significantly broaden and enhance the skills of individuals. This experience not only enriches their professional capabilities but also helps break the stereotype of the necessity of government jobs in the state. Many Naga youths seek these opportunities because they cannot find suitable and well-paying jobs within the state, leading them to venture out whenever presented with lucrative job offers.

Moreover, working outside the state allows Naga youths to develop a global perspective. They learn to adapt to new environments, interact with people from different backgrounds, and gain invaluable life experiences. This cultural exchange can foster greater understanding and tolerance, contributing to personal growth and a more inclusive worldview. Additionally, the skills and knowledge acquired in diverse work settings can be brought back to Nagaland, potentially contributing to the state’s development.

Unfortunately, without proper verification and understanding of the employment conditions, many youths, particularly those from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, fall prey to deceptive job traps. The tragedy is that most of the youths lured by these seemingly well-paid job opportunities are those who emanate from such vulnerable backgrounds, making them more susceptible to exploitation.

Like the Pied Piper of Hamelin that lured the children away, Naga youths are often enticed from their homes by attractive salary packages to venture into unknown and unfamiliar places they assume to be utopias. However, these opportunities frequently turn into pits of monotonous labour, filled with unethical working hours etc.

A significant issue is the lack of awareness and preparation among these youths regarding the realities of working outside the state. Many are ill-equipped to deal with the challenges they face, including cultural differences, language barriers, and exploitation by unscrupulous employers. This can lead to severe disillusionment and mental stress, exacerbating the difficulties they encounter.

A recent operation undertaken by the Cyber Crime Division against fraudulent activities in May 2024, which dismantled two fake call centers in Mohali and arrested 155 employees involved in scamming American citizens, brought this issue to national attention. Among those arrested, approximately 45 were Naga youths. This incident has brought to light the harsh and often overlooked reality faced by many Naga youths who leave their comfortable homeland in pursuit of opportunities beyond their familiar horizon. It serves as an eye-opener not just for the Naga youths working in such unethical and exploitative environments, but also for the state, its governing bodies, and its people, highlighting the need for greater awareness and proactive measures to protect and support these young individuals.

The involvement of Naga youths in such fraudulent activities also raises concerns about the moral and ethical implications of their employment choices. It is crucial to address these issues and ensure that the pursuit of better opportunities does not come at the cost of integrity and ethical conduct. Are they to be blamed for the predicament they find themselves in for not exploring other employment opportunities, or does the fault lie with the state? This debate has been ongoing for decades in Nagaland. Is the state government solely responsible for the unemployment of its youth?

While it is easy to point fingers, it is important to recognize that the issue is multifaceted. The lack of sufficient employment opportunities within the state certainly plays a significant role. However, the youths themselves must also take responsibility for their decisions. They need to be more discerning and cautious when accepting job offers and should seek guidance and support to make informed choices.

Looking on the brighter side, we can see that with changing times, various organizations and NGOs within the state are providing guidance, training and opportunities to the youths to get employment in different fields and sectors as well as to be self-employed. Another prospective sector that youths can venture into is entrepreneurship, though it is not an easy prospect, one with determination and effort can achieve milestones in this sector. These initiatives need to be availed and promoted more in rural areas, especially to those youths from economically deprived households. By availing these opportunities within the state, Naga youths can avoid risking their lives and careers by stepping out of their homes for employment opportunities that might lead to destructive outcomes for themselves and others.

In addition to local initiatives, the state government can play a pivotal role by implementing more policies and programs that create job opportunities within Nagaland. Investment in education and vocational training can equip youths with the skills needed for the job market.

In conclusion, while exploring opportunities outside Nagaland can offer significant benefits, it is crucial to ensure that such ventures are well-informed and secure. With better support systems and increased awareness, the youths of Nagaland can navigate their careers more safely and successfully, whether within or beyond their homeland. A balanced approach that combines the pursuit of opportunities outside with the development of local prospects can create a more sustainable and prosperous future for youths of Nagaland.

Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editorial team includes Chubamenla, Asst. Professor, Dept. of English and Rinsit Sareo, Asst. Manager, IT, Media & Communications.

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