Army training Naga youth for construction of highway

Thirty youths from Medziphema and adjoining villages are eagerly looking forward to be part of the workforce in construction of the much-awaited four-lane highway between Dimapur and Kohima.

The youths are presently undergoing a six-week intensive training on how to drive and operate JCB, tipper truck and road roller at 37 Assam Rifles headquarters, Medziphema.

These unemployed youths are trained under the skill development programme for local youths, a joint initiative of Tata Trust and Assam Rifles (AR), a novel project to empower and give employment opportunities to the rural youth.

"I am privileged to be selected to undergo this driver's training. After completion of the training, they (AR) assured use to procure our driving license (learner's) at their own expense. I am now confident to get employment right after completion of the training as there is dearth of opportunities for drivers, especially for heavy vehicles like JCBs and tippers, here in Nagaland," a local youth said.

Another trainee said with the four-laning of the Dimapur-Kohima highway in the offing, the timing of the training was perfect as local youths can join the workforce of the road construction.

Besides the driver's training, AR sources said the skill development programme on cultivation of cash crops for local farmers is being simultaneously conducted at Wokha and Shamator.

"At Wokha and Shamator, we are training the local farmers ob how to grow cash crops like spices, flowers and fruits, to supplement their income and livelihood", AR sources said.

The training which began on September 14 will end on October 31, just before the harvest season so that the youths can go back home and help in the harvest.

Representatives from the Tata Trust scheduled to visit the training centres by October end to assess the trainings and award certificates to the successful trainees.