Shillong, May 16: In a continued push towards bridging the gap between grassroots talent and sustainable livelihoods, the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), Eastern West Khasi Hills District successfully hosted the Certification Day today for the newly trained candidates under the Skills Meghalaya initiative.
Held at the Tirot Sing Memorial Hall in Pyndengumiong, the event underscored the State’s commitment to building a resilient, skilled workforce.
The event was graced by Shri Metbah Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Power, Taxation, Water Resources & Textiles Department, Government of Meghalaya along with Smt Anita Kharpor, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Eastern West Khasi Hills District and other key officials.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Metbah Lyngdoh, stated, “As a government we have a major responsibility towards the growth of the youth of our State.” He said that the major challenge the youth in Meghalaya face is employment and that the Government is trying to find out the issues, starting from the grassroots level to understand and find solutions to assist the challenges that the youth face, and to enhance their skills and abilities.
He also commended the MSSDS for taking the intervention to tap into the skills and potential of the youth and for providing them with the necessary training they need to enable them to land jobs in different sectors.
He also urged the youth be hard working and diligent, to take advantage of the different training programs that are being provided to them via departments like MSSDS, the certification that they have received, not to be afraid of facing challenges, or to have the fear of taking up ownership, but to work towards overcoming them confidently.
Smt Anita Kharpor, IAS, DC, Eastern West Khasi Hills District, in her address congratulated the youth on successfully completing their training across various disciplines, enabling them to become self-reliant and better equipped to access employment opportunities.
She commended their willingness to explore avenues for skill development and continuously enhance their abilities for a brighter future. “It fills us with immense pride and joy to witness all of you here today, especially for Skills Meghalaya, as this year we were able to secure placement opportunities for our youth not only outside the State, but also at the global level,” she said.
She further stated that this reflects the potential of the youth to take up employment opportunities beyond Meghalaya and encouraged them to remain confident while seeking jobs outside the State.
The comprehensive program featured the facilitation of the dedicated trainers by the Skill Development Officer, recognising their vital role in guiding the candidates, which was followed by the official certificate distribution.
Smt. V.A. Hyniewta, ADC, EWKH distributed Training Completion Certificates to 671 trainees across 18 trades who underwent training during the financial year 2025–26.
The event witnessed the distribution of appointment letters to several youths. A total of seven youths secured job placements at Barbeque Nation in the areas of Food and Beverage Services, Kitchen Operations, and Food Production, while three youths were locally placed at Lapynhun Resort, Sohiong under the Food and Beverage Services sector. Among them, were also other youths, who were handed out offer letters across varied sectors.
The programme also placed strong emphasis on entrepreneurship development and financial empowerment alongside skill training, enabling trainees to move towards sustainable livelihoods and self-employment opportunities under the umbrella of Skills Meghalaya.
As part of these efforts, Mr. Frankie War was facilitated under the PRIME (Promotion and Incubation of Market-driven Enterprises) Seed Scheme and received financial assistance amounting to ₹63,200 to support his enterprise initiative.
Further strengthening the transition from training to entrepreneurship, Mr. Phibakordor Marbaniang, a Fashion Designer trainee, was supported in availing a KCC loan and was presented with a bank loan cheque worth ₹1,50,000 by the dignitaries to help scale up his business venture.
The training providers and their staff actively guided and facilitated the trainees throughout the process of applying for these financial support schemes, providing necessary mentorship and assistance on enterprise development and loan availing procedures.
Showcasing a transformative power of inclusivity in fostering empowerment and participation among differently able individuals, the dignitaries also handed over the Start-up tools to beneficiary trainees who completed skills training on self-employed training by the Northeast Institute of Professional Studies (NeIPS)
By celebrating Certification Day, Meghalaya is emphasizing the critical role of skill development in promoting sustainable economic growth and social inclusion. By equipping its youth with relevant skills, the state is transforming them into empowered and valuable contributors to society.
