Ampati, Jan 21: The Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), in collaboration with the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA), organised a certificate distribution ceremony and inauguration of Dondima IVCS Ltd’s new Warehouse at Dinapara, under the Purakhasia C&RD Block in South West Garo Hills on Tuesday.
The event recognised trainees who completed Agro-Processing and Loinloom & Handloom training under the Skills Meghalaya Project, a flagship initiative aimed at equipping the youth of Meghalaya with industry-relevant skills and enhancing employability.
Addressing the gathering, Salmanpara MLA, Ian Botham K Sangma urged trainees to pursue self-reliance and entrepreneurship by leveraging locally available resources. He highlighted the limited scope of government employment and encouraged youth to tap into sectors such as agro-processing, which holds significant potential in the region.
Other dignitaries, including Linerkar K Sangma, MDC, Nogorpara, and R.Z.D. Shira, ADC & PD, DRDA, emphasized the importance of skill development in strengthening livelihoods and contributing to the state’s economy. BDO Purakhasia, A.K. Marak also encouraged participants to utilize government schemes to support their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Skill Development Officer, MSSDS, Tesilchi Ch. Sangma highlighted the transformative impact of the Skills Meghalaya Project, while the DPM, MBMA, Grikseng Ch. Marak briefed participants on CM-ELEVATE and other departmental programmes, encouraging eligible trainees to apply.
Dondima IVCS Ltd., registered under the Meghalaya Cooperative Societies Act, 2015 and supported by MLAMP under MBMA, was established on 6th November 2019. Since its inception, it has expanded from five to seven adjoining villages, significantly increasing its membership.
Recognized as one of the leading IVCS in South West Garo Hills, the cooperative engages in diverse value chain activities including aggregation of seasonal cash crops and operation of processing units such as cashew, arecanut, and aroma oil distillation, along with other value-added products.
In 2025, Dondima IVCS was awarded a 200 MT warehouse under the CM ELEVATE Scheme, which was inaugurated today and is expected to generate additional employment and strengthen the local economy.
A key highlight of the programme was that 21 out of 30 Agro-Processing trainees have already secured employment at the newly inaugurated warehouse, reflecting the effectiveness of the training programme.
Trainees also shared their success stories, expressing gratitude for the skills acquired and the new opportunities created.The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to successful trainees, marking an important milestone as they move forward as skilled professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs contributing to Meghalaya’s growth.
