Desperate for jobs

The recent arrest of around 40 youths from Nagaland in Chandigarh for their alleged involvement in a multi-billion-dollar global scam has shocked many in the state. It was unforeseen that local youths, typically viewed as credulous and generally law-abiding, would be involved in such a high-level international crime. These young individuals were employed in call centers run by operators from Gujarat and Maharashtra and are accused of sending fraudulent messages to foreign nationals, particularly targeting victims in the United States, with the aim of extracting money under various schemes. What is deeply concerning here is not just the crime itself, but the vulnerability of these young people. Many youths from Nagaland move to cities with dreams of securing well-paying jobs, but all too often, find themselves exploited or trapped in illegal activities. They are lured by the promise of opportunities that seem abundant in urban areas. People from Nagaland, known for their fluency in English and their generally hospitable nature, are often considered desirable employees in industries like call centers and hospitality services. Unfortunately, this same openness and ambition can make them susceptible to exploitation. In the case of the recently arrested youths, some of their families have sought assistance from the Chief Minister of Nagaland, who eventually took steps through the services of the Advocate General (AG) to secure their bail. While it is only a matter of time before these young people return home, their predicament underscores a much larger issue: the widespread unemployment and lack of viable opportunities in Nagaland. With one of the highest unemployment rates in the Northeast, and the second highest in the country, the state’s labor market has struggled to absorb its growing workforce. The period from 2019 to 2020, in particular, saw a significant rise in unemployment, illustrating how the economy has failed to keep pace with the demand for jobs. Thousands of Naga youths are employed in metro cities, often in call centers or the hospitality sector. While their language skills and work ethic make them attractive hires, many are underpaid and mistreated by unscrupulous agents or employers. The cost of living in cities, with exorbitant rents and high daily expenses, further complicates their lives. Even those earning a seemingly respectable salary often find it difficult to make ends meet. Worse, as seen in this case, they are sometimes drawn into illegal schemes, often unknowingly, due to their vulnerable position. It is crucial that the Nagaland state government, alongside civil society organizations (CSOs) and student bodies, take proactive steps to protect youths seeking employment in other cities. This includes providing education on the challenges of urban employment and conducting thorough background checks on potential employers. It may also be stressed that, raising awareness among young people about the dangers of being lured into illicit activities or exploitative jobs in metro cities is essential. Without such interventions, more young people may find themselves entangled in criminal schemes or other unsavory professions. It is time for collective action to ensure that such wake-up calls are not ignored, and that preventive measures are put in place to safeguard the future of Nagaland’s youth so that their desperation for jobs does not land them in trouble.