DMU-VVGNLI workshop flags skill gaps, calls for jobs ecosystem for youth
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 09 2026: A one-day workshop on "Building Future-Ready Youth in Manipur: Mapping Skills, Employment & Entrepreneurship Pathways" was held yesterday at the Department of Economics, Dhanamanjuri University, in collaboration with VV Giri National Labour Institute, Ministry of Labour & Employment.

Over 80 students, research scholars, and faculty from DMU's affiliating colleges attended.

Prof K Indramani Singh, Dean.

School of Social Sciences, DMU, inaugurated the session, while Dr RK Lalit.

Head, Department of Economics, delivered the keynote.

Resource person Dr Otojit Kshetrimayum, Fellow, WGNLI, Noida, shared findings from a structured survey of 63 DMU students across UG.

PG, and PhD levels.

The survey revealed a strong preference for Government jobs, with 45 of 63 respondents opting for the sector, while only six chose private employment.

Yet just 14.3% felt university education fully prepared them for work.

Critical gaps emerged in exposure: 82.5% had never undertaken an internship and 76.2% had not undergone any formal vocational or skill training.

Around 65% rated local employment opportunities as poor or very poor, and over 85% said they would consider migration if better jobs were unavailable.

Despite limited awareness of startup schemes, nearly 94% expressed openness to entrepreneurship.

More than 93% also reported that employment uncertainty significantly raised stress levels.

Dr Otojit recommended integrating internships into curricula, strengthening career guidance, and building incubation, mentorship, and funding support.

He called for diversifying Manipur's private sector across tourism, agroprocessing, handloom, IT, and creative industries to reduce over-dependence on Government jobs and stem the brain drain of educated youth.

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