Shillong, May 13: Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday attended the Skillerate 2026 programme at North-Eastern Hill University, where four major initiatives under Skills Meghalaya — PROPEL, MEGASKILL, SHIELD and EQUIP — were officially launched to strengthen employment, entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities for the youth of the state.

During the programme, the Chief Minister handed over trade-specific toolkits to trainees from various sectors, including tour guides, plumbers, technicians and other skilled professions. Nearly 21,000 trainees are expected to benefit from the initiative, which involves an investment of approximately ₹24 crore.

Addressing the gathering, Sangma highlighted the government’s continued commitment towards skill development and youth empowerment in Meghalaya. He informed that over the last three years, nearly ₹80 crore has been invested under the Meghalaya Skills Programme, generating an estimated ₹150 crore in earnings for trained youth through placements, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities both within India and abroad.

He also noted that several trained youths from Meghalaya have secured opportunities in countries such as Japan and Singapore through the state’s skilling initiatives.

The programme was attended by government officials, training partners, industry representatives and graduating trainees. Sangma thanked the training partners for supporting the state government’s skilling mission and encouraged the graduating trainees to work hard, remain disciplined and lead meaningful and productive lives.

He further stated that the government will continue to invest in skill development programmes to create more employment avenues and empower the youth of Meghalaya economically and professionally.