By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 17: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday reaffirmed Meghalaya’s growing partnership with Japan, noting that the state is working closely with the East Asian nation across several key sectors.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Japanese Training Programme organised by the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) under the Department of Labour, Employment & Skill Development at the Mount View Building, Barik, the Chief Minister said the government prefers focussed, meaningful international partnerships rather than spreading resources thin across multiple countries.
“We don’t want to have multiple tie-ups with multiple nations because if you try to tie up with everybody, you will not have a relationship with anybody,” Sangma said.
He highlighted cultural and culinary similarities between Japan and the Northeastern states, noting that Japan has maintained a long history of collaboration with India.
Reflecting on Meghalaya’s journey with Japanese institutions, he shared that the state had initially sent only two nurses to Japan two years ago; today, 37 nurses from Meghalaya are working there, with more expected to join soon.
Sangma added that these nurses, currently at N4 Japanese language grading, are aiming for N3 levels, which would open opportunities for higher salaries.
“Our nurses are sending on an average about Rs 1 lakh back home every month, and the foreign exchange coming into our state from these 37 nurses alone amounts to about Rs 5 crore annually,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the government aims to help the youth secure overseas employment not only to improve livelihoods but also to enrich their global experience. He underscored the role of the partnership between the ASEAN Group and the Meghalaya government in facilitating the recruitment and training process.
He also noted that the nurses currently working in Japan had undergone six months of training in Bengaluru.
“You are fortunate, for you will be trained right here in Shillong,” he told the new batch of trainees.
Welcoming the two Japanese tutors who have arrived to conduct the programme, Sangma assured that the government and the people of Meghalaya would extend all support to ensure their stay is comfortable.
The Chief Minister urged students to seize the opportunity to improve their skills and enhance their employability.
A total of 86 students have registered for the six-month Japanese Language Training Programme.
Labour Minister Methodius Dkhar, ASEAN Group Co. Ltd Chairman and CEO Nishikwa Toshiaki San, Japanese tutors, and officials from MSSDS were also present at the event.
