Imphal, October 20: The two day long national seminar on 'Developmental Challenges and Employment Generation in North East India' began today at the Centenary hall of Manipur University with Governor Dr SS Sidhu, who is the Chancellor of the University, inaugurating the seminar as the chief guest.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh presided the session.

Over 80 delegates from within and outside the State are attending the seminar being organised by Manipur Institute of manage Studies (MIMS).

A MIMS souvenir was also released on the occasion by the chief guest.

Complimenting the seminar organisers for the timely initiative in providing a platform to deliberate on issues specifically important in accelerating economic growth and generating employment opportunities, the Governor highlighted the inevitability of concerted efforts towards enhancement and expanding scope of business, industry and investment sectors in order to overcome economic disparity.

Iterating that North East in general and Manipur in particular is lagging far behind in terms of overall development, Dr Sidhu stressed on perseverance and sustained initiatives in developmental activities which he said is the only way to bring about peace and harmony in the region.

Pointing towards escalating problem of unemployment in the country and Manipur State as well, he observed that unemployment malaise is the root cause of social tensions and in some cases leading to the 'sons of the soil' movement in different parts of the country.

Touching on wide range of issues like shrinking public sector and government jobs contrary to satisfactory rate of literacy in the region and manpower, rich natural resources, conducive climatic conditions for augmenting agro-based industries etc the Governor mooted 11 points programme to boost employment generation not only in Manipur but for the entire North East region.

The 11 point programme lays emphasis on tourism and hospitality industry; bamboo mission with related cottage and small scale industries; strengthening local artifacts and handicrafts sector; proper utilisation of vast potential of herbal, medicinal and aromatic plants; horticulture and floriculture activities; agro and food processing; quality nursing and paramedic education; information enabled services; development and training in financial services; self employment generation programme; and 3-6 months training course in institute of tourism and future management trends with 50 percent guaranteed employment.

Highlighting various welfare projects being floated by the Central and calling upon the people to capitalise on the immense opportunities, he expressed that natural beauty of Manipur's landscape and spirit and determination of the people be diverted towards productive endeavour and prevailed upon the seminar delegates to study and provide a platform from where the State could overcome its niggling problems.

In his address, the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh cited historical, geographical, political and social isolation the main reasons for negligible pace of development in the region.

The functional president stressed on infra-structural development especially improving transport and power sectors for pursuing goal of overall development.

Highlighting different welfare schemes being implemented in the State including rural electrification, power, agricultural and horticulture projects Ibobi expressed confidence that with the cooperation of the people the Government could deal firmly problem of insurgency.

Insurgency problem, he said is the largest hurdle posing problem to the general masses� aspiration for peace and prosperity.

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