Sixteen Manipur youths are set to leave for Japan for employment under the SLEE initiative, with CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh urging them to remain proud of their roots.
Imphal, August 21: Sixteen youths from Manipur are set to leave for Japan for employment after completing skill and Japanese language training under the Skill, Labour Employment and Entrepreneurship (SLEE) initiative.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh flagged off the Japan-bound candidates during a programme at his bungalow in Imphal on Friday and urged them to remain connected to their roots while pursuing their careers abroad.
During an interaction with the candidates, the Chief Minister presented each of them with a replica of the Pena, Manipur’s indigenous traditional musical instrument. He told them that their stay in Japan would expose them to a different country, culture, traditions and development, but they should not lose their connection with Manipur.
“Never forget your roots and always be proud to be a Manipuri,” the Chief Minister told the candidates.
Flagged off 16 candidates from Manipur who will undergo overseas skill training in different parts of Japan under the State Livelihood Empowerment and Entrepreneurship (SLEE) initiative at my bungalow.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) August 21, 2026
An MoU was also signed with SBI to provide financial support to the… pic.twitter.com/GArjiWetTy
Khemchand referred to Singapore as an example of a country where people take pride in their national identity. He observed that people in Manipur had also traditionally identified themselves proudly as Manipuris, but noted that some people now hesitate to do so.
He called for a change in this mindset and encouraged the youths to carry their identity with confidence wherever their careers take them.
Nine Manipur University alumni among 16 candidates
Nine of the 16 candidates are alumni of Manipur University’s Department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development (DVSSD).
They are Mutum Leishilembi Chanu, Hesleen Maisnam, Dhanapriya Tensubam, Yengkhom Rohit Singh, Timothy Daime, Aribam Tejeshori, Nongmaithem Bidyalaxmi, Angom Anju Chanu and Ningthoujam Daina.
The nine have secured placements with Tokyu Hotel & Resorts Co., Ltd., Japan. The placements are in different parts of Japan, including Tokyo, Hokkaido and Okinawa, mainly in the healthcare and hospitality sectors.
The selected candidates completed Japanese language training at the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) International Academy before securing employment opportunities in Japan.
Dhanapriya Tensubam, who has secured employment at Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel and Resort in Okinawa, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the agencies involved in facilitating the opportunity.
She said she would carry out her professional responsibilities in Japan while remaining proud of her Manipuri roots.
SBI signs MoU with SLEE for financial assistance
The programme also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Bank of India (SBI) and SLEE to provide financial support to candidates pursuing overseas skill development and employment opportunities.
Five candidates undergoing Japanese language training have received skill loans from SBI under the initiative. They are Deepa Nongmaithem, Yumnam Linthoingambi Devi, Hongsha Moitungshel, Chuingamla Shinglai and Honleiphy Kashung.
The candidates scheduled to leave for Japan during August and September 2026 include youths from Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching and Bishnupur districts.
The Chief Minister appreciated officials of SLEE and SBI for providing skill training and financial assistance to eligible youths and facilitating access to employment opportunities abroad.
CM announces resumption of Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service
The Chief Minister also announced the resumption of public transport services on the Imphal–Dimapur–Guwahati route along National Highway-2 from Friday.
He described the restoration of the service as a step towards ensuring free movement and urged people to use the government transport services without fear.
Khemchand also raised concerns over the high cost of air travel between Imphal and Guwahati, stating that expensive airfares place a burden on people travelling between the two cities.
The bus service resumed on Friday with 125 passengers travelling in two buses and five wingers. The vehicles crossed Kangpokpi and Senapati districts before proceeding towards Nagaland and then Guwahati.
The service had remained suspended for nearly three years following the outbreak of the crisis in Manipur.
The Chief Minister had announced its planned resumption during his visit to Kangpokpi district on August 8. He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen during the visit.
Manipur University observes World Entrepreneurship Day
The Japan placement programme coincided with the observance of World Entrepreneurship Day 2026 by Manipur University’s Department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development on August 21.
The programme, held at the department’s Training Hall, was organised under the theme “Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Innovation and Inclusive Growth.”
The event focused on innovation, networking, learning, enterprise creation and social impact, encouraging students to explore entrepreneurship, vocational skills and emerging employment opportunities.
Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, encouraged students and youths to keep pace with developments in skills, technology, entrepreneurship and employment.
He stressed the importance of acquiring relevant skills, adapting to changing professional requirements and remaining open to opportunities outside Manipur and the country while staying connected to their roots and cultural values.
Dr. Nambram Amulkumar, Head of DVSSD, appreciated the role of the university’s Finance Officer in facilitating student loans through SBI and Bank of Baroda. He urged parents and guardians to encourage their wards to make use of such opportunities.
Amulkumar also encouraged students and job seekers to explore the job-oriented courses offered by the university.
The programmes were attended by representatives of the State Government, Manipur University, SBI and NSDC, including MLA Kh. Joykisan Singh; Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University; Nongmaithem Bandana Devi, Secretary (SLEE), Government of Manipur; Dr. Nambram Amulkumar and Dr. H. Jitenkumar Singh of DVSSD; Ejaz Ahmed, Deputy General Manager, B&O Zonal Office, SBI Shillong; Irengbam Priyokumar Singh, Regional Manager and AGM, RBO Imphal West, SBI; Dr. Meitram Uttam Luwang, LDM Imphal West and Nodal Officer of the SBI scheme; and Masotmi Zimik, State Engagement Officer, NSDC.
The placement of 16 youths in Japan, including nine Manipur University alumni, comes through a combination of vocational training, Japanese language education, financial assistance and overseas employment placement under the SLEE initiative.
