AIMS urges establishment of job-oriented institutions to revive Manipur’s economy

The Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS) has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh seeking the phased establishment of nine priority colleges and specialised institutions aimed at supporting economic recovery and livelihood restoration in Manipur in the aftermath of the violence that began on May 3, 2023.
The memorandum was signed by Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh, President of AIMS, N. Ratan (Kapu) Meetei, Director, and Dr. Atom Sunil Singh, Director.
In the memorandum, AIMS stated that Manipur’s economy has faced prolonged disruption since the outbreak of violence, affecting employment, household incomes, small businesses, continuity of education and rural livelihoods. It noted that many families have been displaced and rendered homeless, while mobility and supply-chain constraints continue to impact economic activity. The organisation pointed out that restrictions on safe and predictable movement along key routes have increased costs for ordinary citizens. In several instances, air travel has become the only viable option for long-distance movement, which remains unaffordable for many, particularly students and economically weaker sections.
The signatories stated that Manipur’s recovery requires an education-led livelihood strategy focused on skill development, job creation and lawful income opportunities to enable families to rebuild their lives within the State.
AIMS has proposed the phased establishment of a Veterinary College, Agronomy College, Fishery College, Horticulture College, an Apiculture Research and Training Institute, a Floriculture Institute, a Centre of Excellence in Herbal and Traditional Medicine, a Renewable Energy College and a National Mithun Research Centre.
According to AIMS, these institutions would generate local employment and skilled manpower, strengthen agriculture and allied sectors, reduce the need for students to pursue professional education outside the State and enhance rural incomes through research, training, services and value-chain development.
The organisation has urged the State Government to adopt a time-bound roadmap, including the constitution of a multi-departmental Task Group within 30 days to finalise the phasing, identify sites and determine implementation models. It also called for training programmes to be linked with measurable employment and enterprise outcomes, with priority support extended to displaced and crisis-affected youth.