MoTA-backed entrepreneurship workshop begins in Manipur’s Kangpokpi to empower tribal entrepreneurs

A six-day Entrepreneurship Development Workshop aimed at strengthening tribal enterprise and promoting financial inclusion commenced in Kangpokpi district of Manipur under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.

The programme, titled “Entrepreneurship Development Workshop: Micro-Financing and Business Incubation for Tribal Entrepreneurs,” is being organised by the Tribal Research Institute Manipur under the Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills, Government of Manipur, in collaboration with the Research and Development Cell of Oasis College Kangpokpi.

The inaugural session was held at LNC Hotel, where Rangnamei Rang Peter, Director of Tribal Affairs and Hills and the Tribal Research Institute, attended as the chief guest. Former Indian Foreign Service officer Gautam Mukhopadhaya, who currently serves as convenor of the Sadar Hills Green Movement, graced the occasion as the guest of honour.

The inaugural programme witnessed participation from policymakers, academics and aspiring entrepreneurs, including Analjyoti Basu, President of the Institute Innovation Cell and Associate Professor at Brainware University, along with officials from several line departments, college principals, young tribal entrepreneurs and students.

Presiding over the session, Rangnamei Rang Peter highlighted the importance of unlocking the largely untapped entrepreneurial potential within tribal communities by bridging knowledge gaps and creating stronger support systems.

“Tribal regions are rich in natural resources, traditional knowledge and inherited skills. However, greater awareness and a supportive ecosystem are required to convert these strengths into viable enterprises,” the IAS officer said.

In his keynote address, Analjyoti Basu emphasised that entrepreneurship can play a transformative role in improving livelihoods in hill districts. Drawing from his experience in enterprise development, he encouraged tribal youth to view challenges as opportunities and build sustainable income-generating ventures.

The workshop also honoured six promising internally displaced entrepreneurs with appreciation awards for their resilience in rebuilding livelihoods despite the hardships caused by the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence. Many of the awardees had lost their homes during the conflict and later started small enterprises despite having little prior business experience.

Those recognised included Hatneineng Hangshing for Laizon Enterprise, B. Sineo Vaiphei for Hope Initiative, Nemkhoting Lotjem for Tina Rice Hotel, Mangboi Vaiphei for Ch. Ngairoukim Florist, Nengjahat Haokip for Eden’s Food Stall and Lhaijaneng Khongsai for her tea stall venture.

Officials noted that several of these entrepreneurs registered their ventures with local authorities such as the Kangpokpi Town Committee and district council administration to operate legally while rebuilding their livelihoods.

Guest of honour Gautam Mukhopadhaya emphasised the need for sustainable agro-based entrepreneurship and environmental protection. He cited successful branding initiatives such as Cachai Lemon from Ukhrul in Manipur and Lakadong Ginger from Meghalaya, both of which have gained national recognition through effective marketing.

Encouraging similar initiatives, he suggested branding indigenous local products and focusing on value addition so that tribal goods can access national and international markets. He also stressed that tribal communities should become producers and suppliers rather than relying on products imported from other regions.

Supported by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the programme aims to equip aspiring tribal entrepreneurs with practical knowledge on business incubation, access to credit and emerging market opportunities while connecting them with financial institutions and development agencies.

The workshop will continue until March 19 and will feature intensive technical sessions and site visits at Kanggui Christian College, where experts will discuss topics including indigenous resource-based enterprises, entrepreneurship in tribal regions and financial inclusion.

Resource persons for the programme include National Entrepreneurship Awardee Hejang Misao, founder of Innovative Media Stop Shylock S. Taishya, and Mangkholet Haokip, Chief Manager of the State Bank of India Kangpokpi branch.

Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen a sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem in tribal regions while aligning with the broader vision of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to promote economic self-reliance and inclusive development among tribal communities across India.

The programme will conclude with a valedictory session focusing on long-term strategies for sustainable tribal entrepreneurship, followed by participant feedback and the distribution of certificates and travel allowances. The inaugural session was anchored by Natty Kipgen, assistant professor at Oasis College Kangpokpi, while Onkholun Haokip served as rapporteur for the event.