Dr. Vinyuhu Lhoungu, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) coordinator, stressed the need for students to explore alternative career options due to the intense competition in government job sectors, where only a fraction of the 30,000 annual graduates from various institutions in Nagaland find opportunities in government services.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
In a significant move to provide alternative career opportunities beyond government jobs, Eagle Crest has signed another Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dimapur Government College (DGC). This collaboration follows a closed-door interview session conducted by the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai HR representative, Sonia Sircar, for over 120 officially registered candidates, along with several walk-in aspirants from neighbouring states. Due to the overwhelming response, additional on-the-spot interviews have been scheduled for the following day.
Empowering Naga Youths Through Employment Initiatives
Dr. Vinyuhu Lhoungu, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) coordinator, emphasized the importance of such partnerships, citing the increasing number of students applying to Dimapur Government College (DGC). He noted that while over 2,000 students apply for first-year admissions, infrastructural limitations restrict enrollment to just 500. Dr. Lhoungu stressed the need for students to explore alternative career options due to the intense competition in government job sectors, where only a fraction of the 30,000 annual graduates from various institutions in Nagaland find opportunities in government services.
Quoting data from the Directorate of Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Skill Development, Kohima, he pointed out that the state advertises only around a thousand government job vacancies annually, which does not meet the growing demand from fresh graduates. Acknowledging discrepancies in certain selection processes, he underscored the importance of initiatives like those undertaken by Eagle Crest, which has been instrumental in bridging the employment gap by placing students in reputable organizations since its inception.
Eagle Crest’s Commitment to Career Development
CEO of Eagle Crest, Dimapur, Temjenkala Aier, expressed her enthusiasm for facilitating employment opportunities for Naga youth at The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai. She highlighted that the visit of Sonia Sircar left a lasting impression, reinforcing the warm hospitality Nagas are known for. She also emphasized the historic and resilient legacy of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which has hosted esteemed guests such as Mahatma Gandhi, Queen Elizabeth II, The Beatles, and Beyoncé, while emerging stronger after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
“Our mission at Eagle Crest has always been to provide manpower resources for key industries, including hospitality, cruise lines, and aviation,” Temjenkala Aier stated. “Beyond job placements, we are committed to fostering the overall development of the youth in Nagaland and the region.”
Hospitality Industry Seeks Naga Talent
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel HR Manager Sonia Sircar underscored the hotel industry’s preference for candidates from the Northeast due to their exceptional hospitality skills. She elaborated on the qualities sought in candidates, emphasizing Trust, Awareness, and Joy (TAJ)—a core philosophy of the hotel’s recruitment process. She encouraged candidates to fuel their careers with passion and become part of the prestigious Taj Mahal Palace Hotel organization.
Eagle Crest’s Role in Skill Development & Placement
Administrator of the Domestic Placement Department and Training Head, Eagle Crest, Juniper Phom, detailed the institute’s efforts in providing top-tier career opportunities. She highlighted that through its dedicated training and placement cell, Eagle Crest ensures students are well-equipped with essential skills to excel in their careers. She also noted that while Eagle Crest offers both domestic and international job placements, about 60-70% of its 96% placement rate falls within domestic employment.
Referencing the Skill India Mission launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Juniper Phom emphasized the initiative’s role in equipping youth with industry-relevant skills. She also acknowledged the Nagaland Skill Mission, recently launched by the Government of Nagaland, which aims to train and provide employment for 5,000 youths in various sectors. She affirmed Eagle Crest’s commitment to contributing toward this mission by bridging the skill gap and creating employment avenues for unemployed Naga youth.