IMPHAL — A ‘Skilling and Livelihood Programme’ for the general public, including internally displaced persons was formally launched under the aegis of Department of Horticulture and Conservation department in Imphal on Friday.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who was accompanied by ministers Th Biswajit (Agriculture), L Susindro Meitei (Consumers Affairs), H Dingo (Social Welfare), MLAs and officials, reiterated the government’s stand towards economic revival and self-reliant.
Pointing out that everyone had been facing hardship for months due to the current unprecedented crisis, he stressed the need to focus on day-to-day necessary activities for one’s livelihood and to revive the economy which has been badly affected.
He said that the government has been taking up every possible step to protect the people of the state, adding that government’s initiatives like Chief Ministergi Hakshelgi Tengbang-health, School Fagathansi Mission-school improvement mission and others, are meant for reducing the expenditure on children's education and improve the standard of livelihood.
Highlighting the increase in the number of fish farmers in the state, the CM expressed hope that it will significantly reduce the import of fish.
He also stressed the need to make up the losses incurred during the crisis, while directing the government officials and banks officials to deal with the needs of the public in a constructive manner.
Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai, MLAs K Shyam,Th Ibomcha, and D Gangmei also spoke on the occasion.
In his keynote, Commissioner of Horticulture Th Panmei said that Manipur has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country at 9%, which is more than double the national unemployment rate of 4.1%, adding that 60,000 people are internally displaced currently, of which around 18,000 are youth.
‘Thus the skilling programme to empower the youth, who are committed to rebuilding their lives and achieve a dignified livelihood through productive participation in rebuilding the economy,’ he added.
Later in the technical session, resource persons in diverse fields deliberated on certain topics including Opportunities and benefits of animal husbandry as a means of reviving livelihood activities of the youths.