Emphasis on technical skills to empower youth in Manipur

The students at Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Lilong Mairenkhun village of Manipur's Thoubal district are being trained in wielding, pipe fitting and structure slate fittings.

Under the Public Private Partnership model, the institute is run by HASK Skill Development Centre Pvt. Ltd. (HSDC) under the aegis of Labor and Employment.

It has seven instructors, including three from Singapore, who are giving rigorous training to over 60 students.

"We are showing different kinds of videos so that by the time they go to the work place they are very familiar with what is happening there and what they need to do and what they should not do. We will be teaching them in a very good way. So, that they can be proud and can start the work without hesitation," said Ramana Kumar, Instructor from Singapore

"We are connected with oil, gas and marine. I can't say this kind of training you can find here in Manipur it is the first we have courses like welding but it is different. Our work is different from the work of others. Other than this we have pipe fitters, steel fitters," said Thongam Subrata Singh, Site Manager of HSBC.

The institute is provisioned with world-class equipment, which was funded by the state government.

After the course, Institute provides job placement in different places across the country and abroad.

The institute is also providing customized training courses to cater to the requirements of the upcoming projects like the railways and other major constructions in Manipur.

"In Manipur, there are so many people who do not get a government job and there are so many people who have completed their higher studies but since they did not get a proper job they start getting involved in using drugs and other bad activities. So, I do not want to lose myself like them. I have come here to earn my livelihood and be part of a better society," said Sultan Hussan, a trainee.

"I want to continue for my higher studies but due to financial problem I failed to do so. I have come here for technical training. I want to set up my own centre to work for my people," said another trainee Malemnganba

Technical training institutes like this will not only generate employment for the youth but it will also give a boost to the state's economy.