SHILLONG: As a solution to unemployment problems that have seen a sharp rise in the state, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, pointed out a lucrative career in entrepreneurship and more opportunities for people outside the government sector.
“There is a need to create a platform which will generate hope amongst the youth, he told reporters on Thursday at the 4th Act East Business Show at the State Central Library.
Commenting on the changed mindset of the people, the Chief Minister said that in Shillong and the sub-urban areas, the mindset of the people has changed as they are looking for opportunities or space outside the government sector.
“If I feel that I don’t want to take risks by being an entrepreneur but patiently wait for an opportunity within the government departments and wait for white color jobs. Will it happen or not? There is no guarantee,” he added.
Further speaking on the recruitment processes which is often marred with nepotism and favoritism, Sangma said, “At the end of the day there has to be recruitment which is transparent and enables the job seekers to have level playing ground.”
However, the Chief Minister was quick to add that ‘things have changed’ as he pointed out that the manipulation in recruitment, indulgence in nepotism is not an issue anymore.
He said that there is potentiality of entrepreneurship by pointing out that people in Shillong have started taking advantage of the government’s policy to support home-stays.
“Gone are the days when tourists were not looking at Meghalaya but today Meghalaya is one of the favored destinations,” he added.
Sangma made a round of all the stalls at the expo in which international delegation and exhibitors from Thailand, Bangladesh, Philippines, Lao PDR, China, Nepal, Myanmar showcased their exhibits ranging from exhibited hand -made crafts, cosmetics, garments, electronic devices etc.
Meanwhile,set with a target to strengthen South East Asian ties with the North East India, the 4th Act East Business Show organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) was held in which State Central Library on Thursday. This year also marks the 25th Anniversary of the India – ASEAN Dialogue Relations.
The ICC collaborated with the state government & North Eastern Council.
The Act East Business Show is a forum which enables new business contacts and increase prospect of mutual investment between North East India and the South East Asian countries.
The business show will focus on a plethora of areas ranging from IT and Telecommunications, importers, design and consultancy services, equipment manufacturers, hospitality services, education, chemical processing and others.
Anurag Bhushan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs said that ASEAN remains at the core of India’s foreign policy.
Guest of Honour, CK Das, member of NEC said the state should export low volume and high value goods and less of high volume and low value goods.
Speaking as the Chief Guest on the Business Show, Sangma said that the state is open to all opportunities for the benefit of all.
However, he said that the state government faced constraints in dealing with the mindset of the people as it involves taking risks in starting a business.
He said, “Any challenge for the government is to deal with mindset and to change the mindset of people.”
Referring to the business show, he said that the state will need better infrastructure to organise a summit. He stated that the Shillong International Centre for Performing Arts will be a better facility to host the programme.
