Known for its scenic landscape and hills, Manipur has faced ethnic communal violence since May 2023. For the people caught in the cross-fire, life has not been the same. The students face a bleak future and the youth the responsibility of their family. Manipur Mega job fair hosted at NIELIT Imphal Centre (Deemed to be University) gave a ray of hope amidst an air of uncertainty. Held next to a relief camp at at Akampat, Imphal East (Manipur), the job fest witnessed participation from 24 firms, companies and industries. More than 400 participants flocked the event to seek job or get career counselling.
Director General, NIELIT Dr M M Tripathi inaugurated the job fest carrying theme Empowering the youth and preparing future professionals. He also inaugurated “BRAIN Lab” (Bio-information Research and Artificial Intelligence in Neuroscience Lab).
Opportunities for Internally Displaced People (IDP)
Laishram Aishwarya, Manager, Ulsa Group Security Agency said that the company brought in vacancies for the position of security guards. “We also provided a specific clause for IDPs that their minimum qualification will be secondary level. This was done to support these people in the times of distress,” he said .
As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are individuals forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, persecution, or natural disasters, yet they remain within their own country’s borders. As per Manipur government, till now around 60,000 have been displaced and more than thousands remain in relief camps of the state. The displaced population share common dream of returning o their homes to normal lives.
Talking to The Voices Angom, who lives in a relief camp at Ideal Girls college Relief Camp, which was next door to the fair, shared that he is a native of Churachandpur district of Manipur. Angom had to flee from his home when communal violence shattered his locality. He has studied in Bachelor in Computer Application (BCA), but due to riots cant continue studies and feels that ongoing situation has dimmed his chances of earning.
Being the sole breadwinner of the family, this mega job fair provided him the opportunity to help steer family away from the relief camp. Not only did he got a job, albeit he he feels such job fairs should be held often to give opportunity for the youths.
Another such story is that of Maisnam who was originally from violence stricken area near Sawombung called Yaingangpokpi, Imphal East and escaped a month after the communal violence spread to other parts. She now stays at a relief camp inside the Khuman Lampak Sports Stadium. Masinam told The Voices that she is optimistic of securing a job with the dream that she shall be able to leave relief camp soon.
Yumnam a resident of Khurai AC (Imphal East) said that he was glad to see such an opportunity being given to the youth of Manipur. He observed that many youth seeking jobs are confused and this fair came as a guiding lamp for them. He added that the career counselling sessions proved to be great help making youngsters realize their potential and find their niche. He too suggested that such job fairs be held frequently.
Some job seekers returned home with heavy hearts because they had little to no awareness of job fairs. Others were not aware of this event due to lack of publicity. “I didn’t get a job due to mismatch in qualification. I have a degree in arts and most of the jobs are IT related. I travelled all the way from Moirang district this job fair but it was of no use. But I still feel such job fairs should be held as it opens window of opportunities for people with the right caliber,” said Ningthoujam while talking to The Voices.
Organizing Committee
Students, teaching and non teaching staff of the institute served as volunteers for this fair, providing a smooth experience. They ensured safety from unexpected incidents, fire service and health department of Manipur deployed a team each to ensure safety of the participants.
“This job fair isn’t necessarily a placement activity of this institution but a measure of relief provided by the NEILIT to the youngsters of Manipur in a time affected by communal violence. Job fairs are held with the ambition of giving jobs and placement to youths and individuals who are in desperate need of stable incomes. Such job fairs will be held more frequently, with more offerings and inn the future companies from all over India will participate.”, said Dr Y Jayanta Singh, Executive Director – NIELIT, who headed the fair organizing committee.
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