Key Takeaways
- • Nagaland Minister for Higher Education and Tourism Temjen Imna Along called for renewed focus on human capital development, arguing the state's economic progress depends on the values, skills, work ethic and social responsibility of its people, not only on policy and infrastructure.
- • Along said Nagaland's economic potential remains immense but the state faces serious challenges in building a skilled, productive and socially responsible workforce, and cited high unemployment despite being among the most literate states in the country.
- • Along urged educational institutions and faculty to go beyond classroom instruction and help shape responsible, committed and hardworking citizens, and called for greater discipline, accountability and self-reliance.
- • The remarks were delivered as special guest at the 3rd Nagaland Economic Association (NEA) conference-cum-international seminar at Kohima College on October 16, 2026.
Summary
Nagaland Minister for Higher Education and Tourism Temjen Imna Along has called for a renewed focus on human capital development, stating that the state's economic progress depends not only on government policies and infrastructure but also on the values, skills, work ethic and social responsibility of its people. Speaking as special guest at the 3rd Nagaland Economic Association (NEA) conference-cum-international seminar at Kohima College on October 16, according to Morung Express, Along said the state's economic potential remains immense but that it continues to struggle to develop a skilled, productive and socially responsible workforce.
Along argued that economic development should not be measured solely by material possessions, infrastructure or financial prosperity, and that investment in human resources must come first. He cautioned that physical infrastructure and economic resources would have limited value without a corresponding improvement in the quality of people. He also expressed concern that rapid modernisation and technology have led younger residents to prioritise material possessions and appearances over knowledge and practical skills, and pointed to social divisions, tribalism, unhealthy competition and a tendency to celebrate wealth over meaningful contribution.
On education, Along said Nagaland needs to rethink how learning is approached without necessarily discarding the existing curriculum, and that formal education should be complemented by practical experience, discipline and a sense of responsibility toward families and communities. Noting that Nagaland is among the most literate states in the country yet still faces high unemployment, he stated that literacy alone does not guarantee economic sustainability. He suggested that collegiate education place greater emphasis on inclusiveness, diligence, family responsibility and practical achievement.
Along also cautioned against allowing tribalism, propaganda and agitation to absorb the energy of the younger generation, referring to inter-community violence, including the burning of homes and loss of lives. He said the state's future cannot rest on government policy and legislation alone, and called for greater discipline, accountability and self-reliance so that Nagaland can make more effective use of the funds and opportunities available to it. He directed his remarks at educational institutions and faculty, challenging them to assess whether they contribute to human resource development beyond formal teaching duties.
The seminar was organised by the Department of Economics, Kohima College, in collaboration with the Nagaland Economic Association, and supported by the Department of Higher Education and the college's Internal Quality Assurance Cell. It aimed to critically examine the current state of human capital development in the state.
Along argued that economic development should not be measured solely by material possessions, infrastructure or financial prosperity, and that investment in human resources must come first. He cautioned that physical infrastructure and economic resources would have limited value without a corresponding improvement in the quality of people. He also expressed concern that rapid modernisation and technology have led younger residents to prioritise material possessions and appearances over knowledge and practical skills, and pointed to social divisions, tribalism, unhealthy competition and a tendency to celebrate wealth over meaningful contribution.
On education, Along said Nagaland needs to rethink how learning is approached without necessarily discarding the existing curriculum, and that formal education should be complemented by practical experience, discipline and a sense of responsibility toward families and communities. Noting that Nagaland is among the most literate states in the country yet still faces high unemployment, he stated that literacy alone does not guarantee economic sustainability. He suggested that collegiate education place greater emphasis on inclusiveness, diligence, family responsibility and practical achievement.
Along also cautioned against allowing tribalism, propaganda and agitation to absorb the energy of the younger generation, referring to inter-community violence, including the burning of homes and loss of lives. He said the state's future cannot rest on government policy and legislation alone, and called for greater discipline, accountability and self-reliance so that Nagaland can make more effective use of the funds and opportunities available to it. He directed his remarks at educational institutions and faculty, challenging them to assess whether they contribute to human resource development beyond formal teaching duties.
The seminar was organised by the Department of Economics, Kohima College, in collaboration with the Nagaland Economic Association, and supported by the Department of Higher Education and the college's Internal Quality Assurance Cell. It aimed to critically examine the current state of human capital development in the state.
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