Over 500 aspirants vie for overseas placement

SHILLONG, Sep 17: More than 500 aspirants vied for placements in sectors such as nursing, hospitality, aviation, dietetics, agriculture, and other technical fields at an Overseas Job Fair organised by the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS) under the Department of Labour, Employment, and Skill Development at the State Convention Centre. The event aimed at providing youth with opportunities abroad.
At the event, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh shared inspiring insights from her recent visit to Japan, where three nurses from Meghalaya, placed through the previous fair, are currently working. She encouraged other youth to explore similar opportunities, revealing the state’s plans to expand nursing placements to countries like Singapore.
“We are not just giving opportunities to citizens in general, but also taking care of special groups, training carpenters with disabilities, and empowering women in various sectors,” said Dr. Ampareen, highlighting the inclusivity of the state’s skill development programs. She acknowledged the challenges in Meghalaya, such as the lack of industries and well-paying jobs, but emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment. “Governments are not sitting idle. We are taking action, and this job fair is proof of that commitment,” she added.
On similar lines, Ram Kumar S, Executive Director of MSSDS, highlighted the significant demand for jobs in the state, with over 80,000 young people seeking employment each year. To tackle this, the state has introduced initiatives like the Prime and Skills Meghalaya programmes, which promote entrepreneurship and skill-building as alternatives to traditional government jobs. “People development is the catalyst for national progress,” said Ram Kumar, stressing the importance of equipping youth with globally relevant skills.