Guwahati: In the wake of the recent ethnic conflict that erupted in Manipur on 3 May 2023, the state government has taken proactive initiatives to provide relief and rehabilitation to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), under the guidance of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee on Relief and Rehabilitation in Manipur, headed by Justice Gita Mittal.
Recognising the urgent need for tangible support, these initiatives encompass a multifaceted approach targeting various aspects of livelihood and well-being. Taking a step forward, Justice Gita Mittal on Friday (May 10) electronically inaugurated a skill training programme and a ‘Youth Coach Level 1’ certificate Programme.
Additionally, a primary health centre operationalisation in the public-private partnership (PPP) model, a collaboration of the Manipur government and Hyderabad’s Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, utilising telemedicine, was launched at the Palace Auditorium in the state’s capital Imphal.
The comprehensive skill training programme in the hospitality sector, under the Capacity Building for Service Provider (CBSP) scheme through the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for the youth affected by the conflict.
With a focus on areas such as food and beverages, guest service, customer relations, and front office management, the training programme will equip participants with the necessary skills to secure employment in the thriving hospitality industry.
By partnering with a private company as the training provider, the government ensures that 2,000 internally displaced youths currently taking shelter in various relief camps across the state will benefit from this initiative, thus facilitating their reintegration into stable and fulfilling lives.
Moreover, to address economic empowerment, the government is also prioritising the restoration of essential healthcare services for the affected communities. Through a strategic collaboration with Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, efforts are underway to swiftly resume operations at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Imphal East district’s Borobekra village.
By leveraging the expertise and resources of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, the government aims to ensure that the inmates have access to quality medical care despite the challenges posed by the conflict. This initiative underscores the unwavering commitment of the state government to prioritise the health and well-being of all citizens, even in the face of adversity.
Recognising the importance of sports in fostering resilience and community cohesion, the ‘Youth Coach Level 1’ certificate programme aims at empowering grassroots athletes to become coaches.
With a focus on sports disciplines including football, table tennis, badminton, judo and weightlifting, this programme will provide specialised training to 300 internally displaced youths selected from across the state.
Partnering with TENVIC Sports, which aims to positively impact the lives of people in and through sports, the government aims to equip grassroots athletes with the necessary skills and knowledge to become coaches, thereby promoting sports development and creating avenues for positive engagement and personal growth within communities.
To harness Manipur’s rich resources and create job opportunities, the state government is collaborating with the Hindu College, Delhi University, Ultra International Limited and the Lucknow-based Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), to launch a training programme in fragrance formulations for wellness products.
Capitalising on Manipur’s abundance of herbs and medicinal plants, this initiative aims to establish the state as a centre of the perfume industry in the Northeast, thereby enhancing economic prospects and fostering regional development.
During interaction with the media on the sidelines of the inauguration programme, Justice Gita Mittal emphasised that while the administration has effectively provided facilities for the IDPs, the primary challenge remains ensuring the safe return to their home.