In a significant push towards employment generation and youth empowerment in Manipur’s hill districts, over 160 young men and women have been successfully trained under the Kangpokpi district skill development drive, officials confirmed this week. The initiative aims to address local unemployment challenges while strengthening social and economic stability through targeted skill-based interventions.
The Kangpokpi Skill Development Programme: An Overview
Launched as part of the state’s mission to improve employability among tribal and rural youth, the Kangpokpi skill development drive focuses on:
- Short-term, trade-specific training modules.
- Industry-linked practical sessions for direct job absorption.
- Placement facilitation in collaboration with national and regional employers.
District officials stated that 162 youth completed training in diverse trades during the latest phase, including electrical work, plumbing, tailoring, hospitality services, and retail management.
Why Focus On Kangpokpi?
Kangpokpi district, located in northern Manipur, is a socio-economically strategic region due to:
- Its tribal population, which requires focused interventions to bridge skill and employment gaps.
- Limited formal employment avenues despite high literacy rates.
- Its potential to become a regional hub for construction, retail, and service sector employment under the ongoing infrastructure boost in Manipur.
Skill Trades Offered Under The Drive
| Trade | Number Trained | Key Skills Covered | Placement Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician (Domestic & Commercial) | 35 | Wiring, safety protocols, maintenance | Local contractors, state electrification projects |
| Plumbing & Sanitation | 30 | Pipe fittings, water systems, sanitation fixtures | Rural development projects, private firms |
| Tailoring & Apparel Design | 42 | Machine operation, pattern making, basic fashion design | Local boutiques, self-employment units |
| Hospitality & Housekeeping | 28 | Front office, housekeeping, customer care | Hotels in Imphal, Guwahati, Northeast tourism circuit |
| Retail Sales & Management | 27 | POS handling, inventory, customer relationship | Retail chains, local supermarkets |
Key Highlights Of The Training Drive
- Collaborations: The programme was implemented through partnerships with NSDC-approved training partners to ensure quality and certification.
- Duration: Courses ranged from 30-45 days, combining theoretical classes with hands-on practice.
- Certification: Successful candidates received skill certification under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), enhancing employability credibility.
- Inclusivity: 58% of the trained candidates were women, reflecting a strong focus on gender inclusion.
Voices From The Ground
Participants Speak
Lhingboi Kipgen, a tailoring trainee, shared:
“I used to stitch basic clothes at home but now I can work in a boutique confidently. The training covered everything from cutting to customer dealing. I plan to open my own small tailoring unit.”
Thangboi Haokip, trained in electrical work, said:
“I got selected by a local contractor for wiring works in newly constructed homes. Earlier I would do odd jobs, now I am respected as a trained electrician.”
Trainers’ Perspective
A senior trainer explained:
“Most youth here are eager to work but lacked formal training. We focused on practical exposure and real-life scenarios so they can start earning immediately.”
Placement Efforts: From Training To Jobs
The Kangpokpi District Skill Committee has initiated:
- Job fairs linking trainees with local contractors, small business owners, and regional employers.
- Self-employment support, including bank linkage facilitation and entrepreneurship mentoring for trades like tailoring, electrical repairs, and plumbing.
- Inter-district placement mapping to connect youth with opportunities in Imphal, Churachandpur, and even Guwahati where Northeast-focused retail and hospitality chains are hiring.
State Government’s Focus On Skill Development
The Manipur government, under its State Skill Development Mission (MSSDM), targets:
- Training at least 10,000 youth annually across sectors.
- Improving the employability rate of tribal youth by 40% in the next five years.
- Aligning skill drives with upcoming infrastructure, tourism, and industrial projects to ensure demand-driven training.
Challenges Ahead
Despite strong progress, officials acknowledge:
- Geographical barriers limit training outreach to interior villages.
- Internet and digital infrastructure gaps hinder advanced technical modules requiring digital assessments.
- Ensuring long-term employment stability remains a challenge in sectors prone to seasonal demand.
Future Plans For Kangpokpi Skill Drives
District officials plan to:
- Introduce beauty & wellness, advanced hospitality, driving & automotive repair courses in the next phase.
- Set up a permanent District Skill Training Centre with hostel facilities to accommodate youth from remote areas.
- Initiate entrepreneurship cells to mentor youth on starting small units under Mudra and Stand Up India schemes.
Socio-Economic Impact: A Snapshot
| Impact Area | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Employment Generation | Over 100 trainees expected to gain direct employment within three months post training. |
| Income Stability | Average expected monthly income increase: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000. |
| Women Empowerment | 94 women trained, many pursuing self-employment. |
| Community Development | Reduced dependency on migratory labour in skilled trades. |
Conclusion
The Kangpokpi skill development initiative represents a focused step towards inclusive, employment-driven growth in Manipur’s hill districts. By training youth in demand-driven trades and facilitating immediate job linkages, the programme not only addresses unemployment but also builds confidence, dignity, and a skilled workforce ready to contribute to the state’s economic progress.
Disclaimer
This news content is for informational reporting purposes only. Readers are advised to verify final placement data and future programme schedules from official Manipur Skill Development Mission announcements or Kangpokpi District Administration notifications before application or enrolment.
