IMPHAL | Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday flagged off 16 candidates selected for overseas skill training and employment in Japan under the state’s State Livelihood Empowerment and Entrepreneurship (SLEE) initiative.

The flag-off ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s Bungalow in Imphal, where Singh urged the candidates to embrace the opportunities ahead while remaining connected to their roots and cultural identity. Presenting each candidate with a replica of the Pena, Manipur’s traditional musical instrument, the Chief Minister said their exposure to Japan would introduce them to a different culture, traditions and development model.

He urged the candidates to remain proud of their Manipuri identity while adapting to their new surroundings. Citing Singapore as an example, Singh said people there take pride in their national identity and expressed concern that some people in Manipur were increasingly hesitant to identify themselves as Manipuris.

He called for a change in mindset and urged the youth to carry the state’s cultural identity with confidence wherever they go.

The Chief Minister also announced the resumption of public transport services along the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati route through National Highway-2, describing it as an important step towards restoring connectivity and facilitating movement.

Singh urged people to make use of government bus services without fear and noted that high airfares between Imphal and Guwahati had placed an additional financial burden on travellers.

SBI extends financial support

As part of the initiative, the State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with SLEE to provide financial support to the selected candidates during the programme. The candidates have completed Japanese language training at the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) International Academy before securing employment in different parts of Japan.

They will work in cities and regions including Tokyo, Hokkaido and Okinawa, primarily in the healthcare and hospitality sectors.

One of the selected candidates, Dhanapriya Tensubam, has secured employment at Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel and Resort in Okinawa. She thanked the Chief Minister and said she would work professionally while remaining proud of her Manipuri heritage. The SLEE initiative is aimed at expanding livelihood opportunities for young people by providing skills, overseas employment opportunities and avenues for entrepreneurship.

The programme was attended by MLA Kh. Joykisan Singh, Manipur University Vice-Chancellor Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Secretary of Skill, Labour, Employment and Entrepreneurship N. Bandana Devi, SBI Deputy General Manager (B&O) Ejaz Ahmed and NSDC State Engagement Officer Masotmi Zimik, among others.