AIMS appeals for job-creating institutions to revive Manipur's economy
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 17 2026: The Apunba Imagi Machas ing (AIMS), Manipur has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh seeking the phased establishment of nine priority colleges and specialised institutions to support economic recovery, livelihood restoration, and skills rebuilding amid the continuing fallout of the violence that began on May 3, 2023.The memorandum was signed and submitted by Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh president, AIMS; N Ratan (Kapu) Meetei, Director, AIMS and Dr Atom Sunil Singh, Director, AIMS.

AIMS maintained that the State's economy has suffered prolonged disruption - affecting jobs, household incomes, small businesses, education continuity and rural livelihoods - with many families facing displacement and homelessness.

It also pointed to continuing mobility and supply-chain disruptions, including constraints on safe and predictable movement along key routes, which increase costs for ordinary people.

In many cases, AIMS said, air travel has become the most viable option for longdistance movement, but it is unaffordable for a large section of the population, especially poor households and students.

Thus, it has proposed the phased establishment of the following priority institutions in Manipur: i) Veterinary College ii) Agronomy College iii) Fishery College; 4) Horticulture College 5) Apiculture (Honeybee Research/Training) 6) Floriculture Institute 7) Centre of Excellence in Herbal & Traditional Medicine 8) Renewable Energy College and 9) National Mithun Research Centre.

According to AIMS, these institutions would directly contribute to recovery by (i) creating local employment and skilled manpower, (ii) strengthening agriculture and allied sectors that absorb large numbers of workers, (iii) reducing the need for students to leave Manipur for professional education, and (iv) improving rural incomes through stronger services, research, training and value-chain development.

AIMS has requested the Government to consider a time-bound roadmap, including a multi-department task group within 30 days to finalise phasing, sites and implementation models, and to link training programmes with measurable job and enterprise outcomes, with priority support for displaced and crisis-affected youth.

Comment