Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today interacted with students from Minority, OBC and SC communities of Manipur who have been selected to undergo skill training in Semiconductor Surface Mount Technology (SMT) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras under the initiative of the Manipur Minorities & Economic Development Society (MOBEDS)
The interaction programme was held at the CM’s secretariat, Imphal in hybrid mode, with officials and faculty members of IIT Madras joining through video conference. The Chief Minister extended his best wishes to the selected students and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity and acquire skills that can open up new avenues for employment.
Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that although the technical aspects of the semiconductor sector are specialised, the emerging field offers significant opportunities for the youth. He expressed that the students would make good use of the training at IIT Madras and bring back valuable skills and experience to contribute to the State’s development.
Armstrong Pame, Commissioner cum Secretary of Minority Affairs, OBC and SC informed that the Surface Mount Technology (SMT) programme focuses on the assembly and manufacturing processes involving electronic components and materials used in semiconductor and electronics industries. IIT Madras has been conducting the programme as a skill-development initiative, with practical, industry-oriented training using its specialised facilities.
Notably, 25 graduates (22 boys and 3 girls) have been selected from among 75 applications following a selection process. The students, irrespective of their graduate discipline, will undergo 15 days of residential training at IIT Madras, with the Government of Manipur bearing the cost of training, accommodation and travel with the support of IIT Madras.
It aims at skill development and also facilitating employment opportunities for the trained youth. After the completion of training, IIT Madras will provide job-placement assistance to successful trainees at various linked industries, with entry-level opportunities expected to offer salaries in the range of ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
The interaction programme was also attended virtually by Padmashree Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, Prof. R. Sarathi and other faculty members and officials.
