Dimapur: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday said his government was serious about the issues being faced by students as "hope lies on our youth, particularly the educated youth".

Addressing the graduation day programme of St Joseph's College at Jakhama town in Kohima district, Rio said non-payment of teachers' salary, disbursal of students' scholarships and encroachment of land of educational institutions were on his government's priority list.

He said his government was trying to disburse scholarships to students through bank accounts.

Congratulating the graduates of the college, tRio exhorted them to build holistic right values, maturity in emotions and right attitude to face challenges ahead.

He commended the institute for providing quality education to about 3,600 students, being one of the "best colleges" under Nagaland University and for being recently graded A+ status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council.

Saying that Naga society was under pressure and terming the state's economy as "salary economy", Rio stressed on the need for venturing into private sector.

Citing the example of Japan, South Korea and Singapore, he said the development of a country does not depend on the natural resources but on human resource.

Rio conferred awards and certificates on meritorious students. Speaker Vikho-o Yhoshü was also present.