₹16.59 work orders distributed for training 4,830 youth; 798 beneficiaries receive start-up toolkits in Tura
Tura, May 21: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said the state government is strengthening its focus on employability, entrepreneurship and livelihood generation for youth, while distributing work orders worth over ₹16.59 crore and start-up toolkits at Skillerate 2026 held in Tura.
The programme, organised by the Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development in collaboration with the CM Skills Mission and the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), was held at Holly Hocks near the BAKDIL Training Centre.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma said the initiative was aimed at bridging the gap between skill training and actual livelihood generation by ensuring trained youth also receive start-up support and essential tools.
“Training alone is not enough. Many youth complete skill courses but are unable to begin work because they lack basic equipment and financial support. Through this initiative, we want to create dignity, confidence and self-employment opportunities,” he said.
The Chief Minister said feedback received through the government’s CM Connect initiative repeatedly highlighted the need for better livelihood support, employment avenues and entrepreneurship opportunities for Meghalaya’s youth.
He stated that the government had already invested over ₹32 crore in various skill development programmes benefiting thousands of young people across the state, but realised that post-training support remained a critical missing link.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s economic growth, Sangma said the state was emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, but stressed that development must directly benefit ordinary citizens, including farmers, workers and entrepreneurs.
During the programme, 34 work orders were distributed under Skills Meghalaya and Supporting Human Capital Development in Meghalaya (SHCDM) for training 4,830 trainees across various sectors.
According to officials, 28 work orders under Skills Meghalaya covering 3,930 trainees amounted to ₹12.04 crore, while six work orders under SHCDM covering 900 trainees were valued at ₹4.55 crore.
Start-up tools worth ₹44.72 lakh were also distributed to 798 beneficiaries engaged in trades and livelihood sectors such as plumbing, automotive servicing, masonry, mobile phone repair, gardening, farming systems and mushroom cultivation.
Sangma also announced that a new college focusing on agriculture, horticulture and food processing would be established in Williamnagar, with academic sessions expected to begin by 2027. He further informed that a veterinary college would be set up at Kyrdemkulai in Ri-Bhoi district.
“These institutions will support research, innovation and technological advancement while directly benefiting farmers and livestock rearers across Meghalaya,” he said.
Labour, Employment and Skill Development Minister Methodius Dkhar said skill development was essential for transforming youth potential into meaningful livelihood opportunities.
“When I look at the youth here, I see future entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers of Meghalaya,” he said.
Dkhar highlighted recent initiatives such as PROPEL, MEGASKILL, SHIELD and EQUIP aimed at expanding employment opportunities, global placements, caregiving services and inclusive access to skill training.
He also urged workers to register under welfare schemes of the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCW), which include scholarships, maternity benefits and pension support.
The programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills Vibhor Aggarwal, senior government officials, training partners, beneficiaries and stakeholders associated with the state’s skill development ecosystem.
