Shillong, Nov 22: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday announced that over 2,000 nurses from Meghalaya are in the pipeline for international placements, reflecting the state government’s continued push to create global employment avenues for skilled youth.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly completed CFI (Caring for India) Centre at Nonglum, Umroi in Ri-Bhoi district, Sangma highlighted the steady progress made in facilitating overseas opportunities for healthcare professionals. He informed that 37 nurses have already been placed in Japan, nearly 30 in Singapore, and the first batch for Germany will depart soon.
Acknowledging that such opportunities existed earlier, the Chief Minister said there was “always a disconnect between the opportunities and the manpower that was ready to go.” He said the government had addressed this gap through job fairs, language training and a support system for families, enabling more candidates to qualify for global placements.
Citing the economic benefits, Sangma noted that nurses working abroad send home approximately ₹1 lakh each per month, translating to about ₹4.8 crore annually from just 40 nurses. He said this demonstrates how international placements can transform family incomes and strengthen the state economy.
During the programme, the Chief Minister inaugurated the CFI Centre, envisioned as a space for leadership building, capacity development and community transformation. He lauded the organisation for focusing on moral guidance and service-based leadership, recalling the teachings of his late father that public life must be driven by service, not personal gain.
Responding to CFI’s request for land to expand its nursing college, Sangma assured full government support, adding that the state would also partner with the institution to integrate language training into the nursing curriculum to improve overseas placement prospects.
Addressing health sector concerns raised at the event, he highlighted the success of Meghalaya’s MOTHER programme, which he credited for reducing the maternal mortality rate by 50% since 2018. He said the state, once the highest in the country, is now close to achieving figures below the national average, and the programme is being replicated in several states.
Sangma said the government remains committed to collaborating with CFI to advance its mission, which aligns with the state’s broader goals for youth development and community upliftment.
Umroi MLA Damanbait Lamare praised the CFI Trust for its dedication and foresight, while also thanking the people of Nonglum village for their unity and cooperation in making the Centre a reality.
CFI Leader Dr. Shaji Thomas narrated the origins of the organisation, tracing it back 27 years to a simple desire to serve, inspired by a young train cleaner named Raju. He said the new Leadership Centre at Nonglum emerged from faith and the belief that even unused land could be transformed for community benefit.
Earlier, CFI Board Member P.J. Matthew delivered the welcome address, describing the inauguration as a significant milestone for youth empowerment and community development in Meghalaya.
