To revive economy, Nagaland Govt invites returnees to become entrepreneurs

Kohima: Nagaland's government has launched a livelihood generation scheme this week for the migrant workers who have returned back to to the state amid the pandemic. This scheme will focus on re-skilling them and giving them grants for starting entrepreneurial ventures to be self-reliant.

As per reports, this move has been envisioned to restore the state economy, which took a major hit following the coronavirus-induced lockdown. The Nagaland government has even resolved to provide seed money to those who have good ideas.

This initiative is being funded by the NEC (North Eastern Council), which has provided the Nagaland government with an initial fund of Rs 2.4 crore to begin the rehabilitation process.

Unemployment and displacement -- two of the biggest problems caused by the pandemic -- will likely be ameliorated to a certain extent by this new initiative. The Government of Nagaland, in fact, is inviting suggestions from returnees so that they can set up their own enterprise, which, in turn, will boost the sagging economy.

What are the criteria for availing these benefits?

To be eligible for the scheme, one must have reached Nagaland from May 22 to August 6, a period that is broadly classified as a migrant exodus period. A Nagaland Government official has informed that till now, 16,000-odd returnee workers have already registered for the scheme!

However, each of the candidates shall be closely scrutinized, and those who do not fit the eligibility criteria shall be weeded out. The official said that the Government shall be helping the candidates develop their skills in 20-odd sectors, such as delivery courier, film production and related, computer repair, food processing; and manufacturing, covering, amongst others, furnishing, with wood and bamboo. After completion of this period, seed money shall be given to 100-odd individuals or more as per available funds. The upper limit of the grants has been set as Rs 2 lakh.

Only time will tell how successful this scheme will be, but we can all agree that this is indeed a novel concept to get the economy back again.

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