After witnessing a huge number of job seekers at the Mega Job Fair 2022 at Employment Exchange, Imphal West, the authorities organised another Job Fair at Bishnupur on March 3, 2023, in the hope of attracting more visitors. The job fair this time, however, turned out a "ghost mela".
The job fair was organised by the District Skill Committee, Bishnupur with a vision to create skilled human capital, generate more employment as well as self-employment, and improve the socio-economic condition of the district.
Seven PMKVY Training Providers/DDU-GKY PIA, more than 19 employers, innovation centres, were to take part in the said mela, according to a release.
In all, 32 stalls were set up at the mela, but all were not job providers and training providers. And, the number of applicants or job seekers registered was just over a hundred.
The job openings that were made available in the mela were of different sections, ranging from basic electrician, tailoring, technician, aviation and hospitality, drivers, counsellors to Software Engineer.
The mela also offered training, spot registration for PMKVY and DDU-GKY and other activities.
Although the event offered jobs and other related opportunities, the footfall was extremely low. The event officially started at 9 am and job seekers registered themselves at the entrance of the mela. The event continued till evening.
However, the invitees started packing up their stalls early as people did not turn up to register. One invitee told the Imphal Free Press that they were not expecting such a low crowd, people do not know how to grab opportunities.
Others started questioning the employment rate of Manipur as the crowd was so thin and the event mostly remained empty during the said hours.
The official function of the mela concluded at around 11 am, but it was open for job seekers till evening.
An employer commented that organising such events are much needed and appropriate for Manipur.
“We can get exposure and the job seekers will have a chance to showcase their skills and find appropriate jobs for themselves,” he added.
He further said that such an event must be promoted widely so that people can have a clear notion of what to expect at such mela.
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