Manipur: Tata STRIVE Launches Skill Development Program for IDPs and Youth
Summary
A transformative initiative, Tata STRIVE, was unveiled on August 7, 2025, aiming to equip internally displaced persons (IDPs) and unemployed youth in Manipur with market-driven skills in hospitality. Launched by Tata Community Initiatives Trust under Tata Trusts at the Mini Secretariat Complex in Bishnupur, the program enrolls 18–25-year-olds who have passed Class 10 into courses such as Food & Beverage Service, Front Office, Housekeeping, Commis Chef, Spa Treatments, and Pastry/Bakery Commis. The scheme guarantees placement support for every participant, addressing the acute need for livelihoods among over 60,000 displaced by ethnic unrest between Meitei and Kuki communities. Collaborators include the District Administration, Manipur Society for Skill Development, and the state’s Department of Skill, Labour, Employment, and Entrepreneurship
Detailed Article
Introduction: Why Skills Matter in Manipur
Have you ever thought about how learning a new skill can change your life overnight? In a state like Manipur, where geopolitical tensions have displaced tens of thousands, empowerment through education isn’t just a lofty goal—it’s a lifeline. Enter Tata STRIVE, a beacon of hope for young IDPs and jobless youth, designed to bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity.
The Launch Event: Bishnupur Buzz
Picture a brightly lit conference hall at the Mini Secretariat Complex in Bishnupur. Local officials—SDOs, BDOs, DLOs, and Relief Camp Committee members—gathered alongside Tata STRIVE’s own Rajarshi Mukherjee and Chiranjiv Guha. Question after question poured in: “How will placement work?” “What about stipends during training?” The energy was electric, a clear sign that the community sees this as more than a program; it’s a lifeline
Eligibility and Enrollment: Who Can Join?
Eligibility is straightforward:
- Age: 18–25 years
- Education: Minimum Class 10 pass
- Status: Internally displaced persons or unemployed local youth
The simplicity ensures barriers are low, letting eager minds jump right in—no red tape, no confusing forms.
Voices of Authority
In the launch meeting, Toijam Opendro, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur, remarked, “This program exemplifies how collaborative efforts can restore hope among our displaced youth.” Such endorsements underscore the initiative’s gravitas and political will behind it.
At its core, the Tata STRIVE program in Manipur is more than skill development—it’s about rekindling agency. When a young IDP learns to craft a perfect dish or deliver five-star service, they reclaim dignity lost in displacement. And when communities witness transformed lives, hope rekindles, tensions ease, and the path to lasting peace widens.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the Tata STRIVE program in Manipur?
Young internally displaced persons aged 18–25 with at least a Class 10 pass, as well as unemployed local youth, are eligible to enroll in hospitality courses.
2. What courses are offered under this initiative?
The program includes Food & Beverage Service, Front Office Associate, Guest Service Associate (Housekeeping), Chef, Spa Treatments, and Pastry/Bakery
3. Is there any fee for trainees?
No. The initiative is fully supported by Tata Community Initiatives Trust, ensuring free training and placement support for all participants.
4. How does Tata STRIVE ensure job placement?
Through employer tie-ups, job fairs, resume coaching, and interview preparation, each graduate receives dedicated placement assistance to secure gainful employment.
5. Can graduates pursue entrepreneurship after the course?
Yes. Apart from placements, Tata STRIVE offers mentorship and facilitates micro-loans for trainees interested in starting their own hospitality ventures.
