AIMS urges youth to focus on education
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 22 2024:
Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) celebrated its 12th foundation day at JN Manipur Dance Academy, here, on Wednesday.
As chief guest of the programme, Social Welfare director Ng Uttam emphasised the importance of education for youth despite the present social challenges.
Highlighting the current societal crossroads, Uttam urged young people to think beyond the present emotional turmoil and focus on their future through education.
While acknowledging the youth's vital role in assisting displaced people staying in relief camps, he stressed the need to balance their humanitarian efforts with educational pursuits.
As the conflict will end one day, students must also think about their future after the conflict is resolved, he stated.
Uttam also addressed several social issues related to activities of the social welfare department and urged the public to notify the department, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), or District Child Protection Units (DCPU) before taking minors out of the state.
While reminding that the Department had already issued an order to stop the practice of relocating children under the pretext of better education in other states, he also mentioned a 2010 Supreme Court judgment regarding the movement of children under 12, in group, from Manipur and Assam.
He clarified that the department's order is not to restrict children's travel but to ensure their safety through prior investigation and advisories The director advised parents to obtain detailed information about the destinations to which their children are being sent, for which the department is ready to help and cautioned parents against trusting anyone offering perks for taking their children elsewhere.
Regarding private de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, he pointed out that the department had last year instructed all such centres to get registered failing which action would be initiated against non-registered centres.
The director also called for support from student bodies, civil society organisations (CSOs), and Meira Paibi groups to ensure these centres meet the required standards, including having qualified staff such as doctors, nurses, and counsellors.
The foundation day event was presided over by AIMS president Oinam Nikarson, while Manipur University Law Department head Dr Yumnam Premananda, AIMS advisor and COCOMI coordinator So-morendro Thokchom, AIMS advisor Puyam Joy and IKAL secretary-general Wahengbam Luwangleima attended as guests of honour.