Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated a six-month Japanese Language Training Programme aimed at preparing local youth for overseas employment opportunities, particularly in Japan.
The programme, organised by the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society under the Labour and Skill Development Department, was launched at the Mount View Building in Barik.
Labour Minister Methodius Dkhar and ASEAN Group Co. Ltd Chairman and CEO Nishikwa Toshiaki were present at the event, along with Japanese tutors and officials from MSSDS.
Speaking at the launch, Sangma said the state has chosen to build a focused and long-term partnership with Japan across multiple sectors.
He noted cultural and culinary similarities between Japan and the Northeast, and pointed out that Japan has been a consistent partner in India’s development efforts.
Sangma highlighted the state’s growing engagement with Japan in the healthcare sector.
Only two nurses from Meghalaya were sent to Japan two years ago, he said, and the number has now risen to 37, with more expected to join soon.
These nurses currently hold N4-level language certification and the government hopes to help them achieve N3 proficiency to secure higher salaries.
According to the chief minister, nurses working in Japan are sending home an average of Rs. 1 lakh each month, generating around Rs. 5 crore annually in foreign exchange for the state.
He added that while earlier batches trained in Bengaluru for six months, students enrolled in the new programme will receive training in Shillong itself.
Welcoming the Japanese tutors, Sangma assured that the state government would extend full support to ensure their comfortable stay in Meghalaya.
He urged the 86 registered trainees to make full use of the opportunity to upgrade their skills and enhance their prospects for employment abroad.
