Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to bring to light the alarming lack of opportunities for individuals with backgrounds in information technology (IT) and computer science & engineering (CSE) in Arunachal Pradesh. Despite the rapid advancements in digital technology and the growing reliance on IT in all sectors, the state has failed to create sufficient career avenues for professionals in these fields. This lack of opportunities forces many talented individuals to either leave the state or remain underemployed in unrelated sectors.
Having been in the field of both industry and academia since 2012, with over 10 years of experience, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles of professionals in IT and CSE. Even in my late 30s, I am striving to contribute to the field and make the most of my skills despite the limited scope for growth within the state.
The problem is further exacerbated by nepotism and unfair recruitment practices, which continue to plague government and private sector job selections. Instead of merit-based hiring, favouritism and influence often determine the outcome, sidelining deserving and qualified candidates. This discourages young professionals from pursuing careers in IT and CSE, as they see little hope for growth and recognition in their own state.
To address this issue, I urge the authorities concerned to take proactive measures such as:
# Regularising IT teachers serving in different government schools across the state to provide stability and motivation in IT education.
# Creating posts such as IT manager, programmer, web master, network administrator, and system analyst in each and every government department, recognising the critical role of IT in administration and governance.
# Expediting the establishment of the two pending government engineering degree colleges in Papum Pare and Lohit districts.
# Introducing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in IT and CSE in the 40+ government colleges across the state to provide local students with access to quality technical education.
# Addressing the lack of faculty recruitment in government polytechnics, since the last recruitment for IT/CSE lecturers was way back in 2013, with only three posts filled.
# Increasing the number of junior engineer and assistant engineer posts in the Power Department, as the past decade has seen only a handful of recruitments in this critical sector.
I also urge students’ unions, community-based organisations, and young unemployed youths of IT/CSE to press the state government and the departments concerned to take up these concerns and work towards creating better opportunities for IT professionals in Arunachal.
Our state has immense potential, but without a strong and fair foundation for IT and CSE professionals, we risk falling behind in the digital era. It is high time we created an ecosystem where talent is recognised, nurtured, and given equal opportunities to flourish.
I sincerely hope that this issue is given due attention, and that concrete steps are taken to address these concerns for the betterment of our state’s future.
An ageing senior
BE (IT)
MTech (Computer Science & Engineering)
Doimukh