Nagaland inaugurates first women-centric BPO, CM hails milestone for inclusive growth

In a landmark move for women’s employment in the Northeast, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the state’s first women-centric business process outsourcing (BPO) centre at Dimapur on Wednesday. This is the first such initiative in the entire Northeast , aimed at creating technology-driven opportunities for women. The project is a collaboration between the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) and the JSW (Jindal South West) Foundation.

The BPO will initially employ 125 women , with plans to scale up to 500 employees in the future. It will provide IT-enabled services such as customer support, data processing, and back-office operations , giving women a chance to build professional skills and financial independence .

Nagaland joins a few other states like Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu , where women-focused BPOs exist, but this regional first marks a significant milestone for the Northeast.

Addressing the gathering, CM Rio called the launch “a new chapter in Nagaland’s journey towards inclusive and technology-driven growth.” He highlighted the skills and adaptability of Nagaland’s youth, noting their potential to compete in the global service economy. Emphasising women’s crucial role in Naga society, Rio said structured employment opportunities such as BPOs would further strengthen their economic and social contributions.

He also underlined the government’s focus on skill development, entrepreneurship, and private investment as key drivers of sustainable growth. “The collaboration between IDAN and JSW Foundation reflects a shared vision of empowering women, enhancing skills, and creating meaningful jobs,” he added.

IDAN chairman Abu Metha confirmed that nearly Rs 6 crore has been invested in the first phase by JSW Foundation and JSW Shakti , with the BPO conceptualised and completed in just six months . Metha said the project demonstrates the potential for modern service-sector enterprises in Nagaland and could attract further investments in IT-enabled services and knowledge industries.

With this launch, Nagaland positions itself as a hub for inclusive, women-focused employment, signalling a strong step towards a future-ready workforce in the region.