Guwahati: Manipur, a culturally rich and resourceful state in north-eastern India, faces significant challenges in skill development and employment opportunities. AISECT (All India Society for Electronics & Computer Technology) has a crucial role in tackling this challenge by providing vocational programs that equip youth with essential skills to compete in the global job market.
In an exclusive interview with Business North East (BNE), AISECT Central Manager Biswajit Akoijam highlighted the institute's key role in bridging the skill gap in the region. Akoijam asserted that AISECT has been instrumental in skill-based education, focusing on technical expertise and developing soft skills essential for success in the modern job market.
Biswajit Akoijam, Central Manager, AISECT
"Our mission is to ensure Manipur’s youth are equipped to meet local and global demands equally," Biswajit Akoijam said.
One of the biggest challenges faced by the youth in Manipur is the skill gap that limits their career opportunities. While there is a growing interest in Information Technology (IT), many students in the state lack the necessary technological expertise and modern tools required to succeed in the sector. Communication skills, essential for career growth, are also a key area of concern.
AISECT has designed its courses to bridge these gaps. Specialized programs in personality development, language communication, IT, and management are tailored to enhance technical and soft skills. By offering holistic training, AISECT ensures its graduates are well-rounded and prepared to meet the demands of the current competitive job market.
AISECT's efforts in skill development are further strengthened by its collaborations with the state and central governments. The institute works closely with the Department of Labour in Manipur and the Manipur Society for Skill Development, an initiative under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). These partnerships provide AISECT with the necessary support to run various skill development programs across the state.
In addition to government collaborations, AISECT has partnered with local public and private schools to extend its reach and offer training programs to younger students. This initiative ensures that the future workforce of Manipur is equipped with both technical and social skills, making them ready for a rapidly evolving job market.
As of November 29, 2024, AISECT operates over 20 training centres across Manipur, covering a broad spectrum of vocational sectors, including IT, management, accounts, food processing, and banking. The courses are designed to meet both local and national industry demands. Some of the most popular programs at AISECT include the Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA), which equips students with foundational IT skills, and the Nursery Teacher Training (NTT) course, which has become increasingly popular due to the rising demand for trained preschool educators.
Other specialized courses AISECT offers include telecommunication, food processing, and banking. These courses are structured to meet industry standards, with practical training and hands-on experience at their core. AISECT’s admission process is straightforward, with no age limit for most courses. Eligibility criteria vary based on the specific program, with the DCA program requiring students to have completed their 12th grade. Shorter courses are open to those who have completed at least their 10th grade.
The fee structure at AISECT is designed to be accessible, with variations based on the type of course and the facilities provided at each centre. While standard fees for IT and management programs are consistent across all locations, additional fees may apply for specific services or enhanced infrastructure.
Though AISECT is an independent entity, it has managed to sustain and expand its operations primarily through self-funding and business loans from various banks. The institute has not received direct government funding for infrastructure and technological upgrades. Instead, AISECT has relied on the personal efforts of its leadership and business loans, allowing it to remain financially flexible and adaptive to the evolving needs of its students.
With an increasing demand for skilled professionals across sectors, AISECT’s role in shaping Manipur’s future is more critical than ever. By training students in vocational skills, AISECT promotes entrepreneurship and job creation, which ultimately supports the state’s economic growth. As more students graduate with technical expertise, the potential for innovation and economic development also rises.
The institute’s future looks promising as it continues to innovate and collaborate with stakeholders to meet the dynamic needs of the job market. AISECT’s contributions to Manipur’s skill development ecosystem are a testament to the power of vocational education in transforming lives, empowering youth, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, AISECT has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of thousands of young individuals in Manipur since its inception in 2004. Over 5,000 students have been trained under AISECT, and its impact on the region's workforce development is undeniable. With training centres spread across multiple districts, AISECT has not only enhanced the employability of its students but also contributed to the economic growth of Manipur by supplying skilled manpower to both the public and private sectors.
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