By: Nongmaithem Gopendrajit Singh
Assam Rifles being the oldest paramilitary force in India is deployed in some of the most remote and underdeveloped areas in the North East and is fondly called the ‘Friends of North East People’. Being deployed in such areas, it has been undertaking several initiatives in achieving qualitative change in lives of people and bringing them to mainstream of national development. As part of such initiatives, the Force’s contribution in empowering and enabling the womenfolk of Manipur and allowing them to be part of decision making process is noteworthy.
Manipur primarily being a matriarchal society, women have been playing a dominant role in all spheres, be it running Ima (women) markets or leading protests against anti-social issues, etc. Meira Paibis is one such example. Assam Rifles has been committed to a make difference in the lives of women by empowering and motivating them through initiating various schemes, projects and programs to provide them with requisite skill training and also necessary equipment so as to enable them to earn their livelihood. The Force has always been proactive in rendering necessary assistance and guidance to help them establish their businesses and provide them with an alternate source of income. This helps in creating a self sustained ecosystem for employment opportunities to women from the local areas. These initiatives certainly have the potential to expand in scope and size thereby providing a hope for a brighter future for the entire region.
Assam Rifles as part of various Military Civic Action Projects and through own resources have been providing assistance to various women organizations and committees. The equipments provided to such organisations are being utilised by the women in the area to learn new skills and subsequently embark upon entrepreneurship roles to seek financial independence and employment opportunities. The products made by these women are of high quality and durability which has created demand from other parts of the country.
Furthering its social responsibility the Force has worked tirelessly towards upliftment of HIV positive women. It has associated itself with DORCAS, an NGO based in Imphal to partner it towards this cause. To instill the feeling of togetherness and part of developing society, it has been conducting various informative tours to spread awareness about HIV.
The Assam Rifles has also been at the forefront of helping young girls to earn their livelihood through skill based projects. As part of various projects a number of workshops on photography and computer training are being conducted for young girls in their schools and colleges. The workshops are conducted with utmost professionalism, and panache, with a view of enhance job prospects. After completion of the workshop, the successful candidates are provided with certificates and appreciation letters to assist them in finding suitable jobs. Information regarding Government schemes, projects, employment opportunities and scholarship are also provided, thereby facilitating their smoother induction into Govt/ private jobs.
With various measures, workshops and programs the Assam Rifles has been successful in making a deep and far reaching impact in the lives of women of Imphal. The women have now become financially sound, socially elevated, mentally strong and above all have become an important part of socio economic strata of the society. The Assam Rifles has been extremely successful in inspiring, motivating and enabling the women folks of Manipur in harnessing their potential and enriching their lives. We as a society need to remember their contribution as we continue in our journey towards progress and prosperity.
