Tura, May 21: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, today attended Skillerate 2026 at Holly Hocks near BAKDIL Training Centre in Tura, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening skill development, employment generation and entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth of the State.
The programme was organised by the Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the CM Skills Mission and the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS).
The event was also attended by Labour, Employment & Skill Development Minister Methodius Dkhar, who graced the programme as the Guest of Honour, along with the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Vibhor Aggarwal, senior officials, training partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders from the skill development ecosystem.
In his address to the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said that the programme reflected the larger vision of the Government’s CM Connect initiative, through which citizens directly communicate their concerns, aspirations, and suggestions to the Government.
He stated that one of the recurring concerns raised by youth through CM Connect was the need for better opportunities in skill development, self-employment, and livelihood support.
The Chief Minister said that while Meghalaya had invested more than ₹32 crore in various skill development programmes benefiting thousands of youth, the Government realised that training alone was not enough.
“Many trained individuals told us that even after completing their courses, they lacked the basic tools and equipment required to begin working independently. An automobile technician may complete training successfully, but without a toolkit, opening a workshop or servicing vehicles becomes extremely difficult,” he said.
He added that the Government therefore decided to provide toolkits and start-up support so that trained youth could immediately become productive and self-employed. “This programme is not only about distributing toolkits. It is about creating dignity, confidence, and livelihood opportunities for our youth,” he remarked.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s economic progress, the Chief Minister said the State is today recognised as one of the fastest-growing economies in the country.
However, he stressed that growth must remain inclusive and reach ordinary citizens. “Economic growth alone is not enough if the benefits do not reach every household, every youth, every farmer, every worker, and every entrepreneur,” he stated.
He further observed that one of the important lessons learned by the Government was that skill training without proper support systems remains incomplete.
“Earlier, many programmes focused only on training, but we realised that unless there is handholding, tools, market linkage, and employment support, the impact remains limited. We identified this as the missing link, and today’s initiative is aimed at addressing that gap,” he said.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the Government’s partnerships with private training institutions and stakeholders to strengthen the quality of skill development programmes. According to him, such collaborations have improved training infrastructure, introduced industry-oriented courses, and expanded opportunities for Meghalaya’s youth.
Referring to the presence of the Vice Chancellor of Captain Williamson Sangma State University, he expressed satisfaction that academic courses under the university had already commenced, and approvals for Architecture and Urban Planning courses had also been received. Calling it a major milestone for the region, he announced that two more major colleges would soon begin under the university system.
He informed that a new college focusing on Agriculture, Horticulture, and Food Processing would be established in Williamnagar, with the Government aiming to begin academic sessions by 2027. He also announced that a Veterinary College would be set up at Kyrdemkulai in Ri-Bhoi district.
“These institutions will not only provide educational opportunities for students but will also directly benefit thousands of farmers and livestock rearers across Meghalaya,” he said, adding that he envisioned the institutions becoming centres of research, innovation, disease control, and technological advancement for the agricultural and livestock sectors.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the work being undertaken through the Labour Department, especially welfare initiatives supported through labour cess funds collected from construction projects. He stated that these resources are now being utilised for health insurance, financial assistance, education support, and welfare programmes for workers and their families.
He noted that many construction workers were previously unaware of such benefits, but the department was actively working to ensure registration and access to welfare schemes. He further highlighted the importance of skill development in masonry and construction work, particularly in view of the shortage of skilled manpower in sectors such as housing construction under PMAY and other infrastructure projects.
Speaking on entrepreneurship and value addition, the Chief Minister said that food processing initiatives in Meghalaya are now creating direct economic opportunities for thousands of farmers.
He pointed out that more than one lakh ice creams are being manufactured daily through local food processing units, while farmers are supplying pineapples, oranges, and other produce directly to these units.
“This is how economic growth becomes meaningful — when farmers, workers, youth, and entrepreneurs directly benefit from development policies,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of improving the quality of education in the State. While Meghalaya has a large number of schools and teachers, he said the focus must now shift towards ensuring quality learning outcomes. He added that this responsibility must be shared collectively by the Government, teachers, school management committees, officers, parents, and society as a whole.
He urged citizens to adopt a constructive and positive mindset towards development. “Problems exist, but we must not approach every challenge with negativity. Development requires participation, positivity, and collective responsibility from every citizen,” he said.
Expressing appreciation to all stakeholders associated with the programme, the Chief Minister thanked the training partners, officials, and organisations working towards transforming the lives of Meghalaya’s youth.
“I have always believed that the most satisfying part of public life is being able to put a smile on someone’s face. Even after long hours of work, knowing that we can help someone, create an opportunity, or make a positive difference in a person’s life gives meaning to public service,” he said.
He urged officials and stakeholders to continue working with commitment and compassion. “Let us not look at our duties merely as jobs, but as opportunities to serve our fellow citizens and make a lasting difference in society,” he added.
Addressing the gathering, Labour, Employment & Skill Development Minister Methodius Dkhar spoke on the importance of equipping young people with industry-relevant skills and expanding employment opportunities through targeted training and capacity-building programmes.
“Standing here today gives me immense happiness, excitement, and pride,” he said adding that his emotions stemmed from two reasons—the honour of speaking in the presence of the Chief Minister in his own constituency, and the opportunity to interact with skilled and energetic youth.
He further said, “When I look at all of you, I do not just see trainees—I see future entrepreneurs, future innovators, future leaders, and future changemakers of Meghalaya.”
Highlighting the role of skill development, he stated, “Skill development is a bridge—a bridge between a person’s potential and their purpose in life.”
He also stressed changing societal expectations, noting that today’s workforce demands quality and professionalism in every field.
Explaining ongoing initiatives, he said the Department provides both long-term and short-term training through ITIs and MSSDS, ensuring flexibility for all sections of youth.
He further highlighted four key initiatives launched recently—PROPEL, MEGASKILL, SHIELD, and EQUIP—aimed at strengthening livelihoods, global opportunities, caregiving services, and inclusive skill access.
On welfare measures, he detailed schemes under the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCW), including scholarships from Class I to higher education, maternity benefits, and a pension scheme of ₹3,000 per month for eligible workers above 60 years of age.
He urged workers to register and access benefits, stating that awareness and outreach were critical for effective implementation.
He also said, “No work is small and no honest job is shameful,” emphasising dignity in all forms of labour.
Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister, he remarked on his extensive field visits and recalled his guidance to ministers to “travel to every corner of the state, meet the people, and listen to them.”
Beneficiaries and training partners also shared their testimonies during the programme, reflecting on the positive impact of various skill development interventions and employment-linked training programmes implemented under MSSDS and Skills Meghalaya.
A video presentation showcasing MSSDS’s initiatives and achievements was screened during the event.
During the programme, 34 work orders were distributed under Skills Meghalaya and Supporting Human Capital Development in Meghalaya (SHCDM) for the training of 4,830 trainees, with a total work order value of ₹16,59,56,334.
Under Skills Meghalaya, 28 work orders covering 3,930 trainees, amounting to ₹12,04,35,044, were distributed, while under SHCDM, 6 work orders covering 900 trainees, amounting to ₹4,55,21,290, were distributed. The average cost per trainee stands at ₹30,645 under Skills Meghalaya, ₹50,579 under SHCDM, and ₹34,359 overall.
Start-up tools worth ₹44,72,287 were also distributed to 798 beneficiaries across multiple trades and livelihood sectors to support entrepreneurship and self-employment initiatives. The distribution included start-up tools for various trades, including plumbing, automotive service, gardening, farming systems, masonry, mobile phone repair, and mushroom cultivation.
The Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of skill development initiatives in empowering youth and improving livelihood opportunities across Meghalaya.
