The Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS) of Manipur has presented a memorandum to the Chief Minister, advocating for the phased establishment of nine specialized colleges and institutions aimed at aiding economic recovery, restoring livelihoods, and rebuilding skills in response to the ongoing consequences of the violence that began on May 3, 2023. The proposed institutions include those focused on veterinary science, agronomy, fisheries, horticulture, apiculture, floriculture, herbal medicine, renewable energy, and mithun research. The memorandum was endorsed by AIMS President Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh, alongside Directors N. Ratan (Kapu) Meetei and Dr. Atom Sunil Singh.
AIMS emphasizes that the economy of Manipur has faced significant disruption, negatively impacting employment, household incomes, educational continuity, and rural livelihoods, with many families experiencing displacement and homelessness. They highlight ongoing mobility and supply-chain issues that hinder safe and predictable transport, leading to increased costs for the populace. Air travel has become a necessity for long-distance transport but is financially out of reach for many, particularly the poor and students.
The organization articulates that the recovery process requires an education-led livelihood strategy focused on skills development, job creation, and viable income opportunities to facilitate a return to normalcy for families and to enable youth to forge their futures within Manipur. Their strategic proposal includes the creation of various educational institutions that are expected to generate local employment, develop skilled labor, strengthen agriculture and related sectors (which employ a significant workforce), and reduce the tendency for students to seek professional education outside of Manipur. This initiative aims to enhance rural incomes through improved service provision, research, training, and development of agricultural value chains.
Furthermore, AIMS has urged the government to establish a time-bound roadmap that includes setting up a multi-departmental Task Group within 30 days to finalize the phasing, site selection, and implementation models for these proposals. They stress the importance of linking training programs to measurable job outcomes and prioritizing support for youth affected by displacement and crises.
