Assam govt partners with IIT Guwahati to train construction workers’ children in AI/ML, aiming for a tech-driven future

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 4, 2025

In a pioneering move to bridge the gap between unskilled labour backgrounds and high-demand digital careers, the Assam Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (ABOCWWB), under the Labour Welfare Department, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G). The collaboration will provide residential training in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to 100 candidates from families of registered construction workers across the state.

This initiative is part of the government’s push to equip marginalized communities with cutting-edge skills, opening doors to new career paths in the booming tech industry. The training will take place on the IIT Guwahati campus, offering participants access to world-class education, hands-on projects, industry mentorship, and a fully immersive learning environment.

The MoU was officially signed by Prof. Rohit Sinha, Dean of Research & Development at IIT Guwahati, and Anamika Tewari, Labour Commissioner of Assam and Member Secretary of ABOCWWB. The signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Rupesh Gowala, Minister for Labour Welfare & Tea Tribe Department and Chairman of ABOCWWB; Dr. B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Additional Chief Secretary of the Labour Welfare Department; Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati; and other senior faculty members involved in the project.

Prof. Jalihal emphasized the importance of inclusive growth: “This collaboration exemplifies IIT Guwahati’s commitment to national development through inclusive skilling for entrepreneurship. Empowering youth from the unorganised sector with cutting-edge knowledge in AI/ML aligns with our vision of a self-reliant, technology-driven India.”

Prof. Hemanta Kaushik, Dean of Outreach, Education & Services, stressed the democratization of opportunity: “Access to premier education should not be determined by socio-economic background. Through this initiative, we’re reaching communities that have historically been left out of the digital revolution.”

Prof. Gaurav Trivedi, Principal Investigator of the Daksh Gurukul initiative at IITG, framed the program as transformational: “We’re not just offering training—we’re offering a platform where talent meets opportunity. With mentorship, real-world exposure, and a residential setup, we’re preparing these young people to lead in tomorrow’s tech landscape.”

Minister Gowala urged IIT Guwahati to ensure world-class training and placement support, while Dr. Chakravarthy underlined the need for skill development tied to real-world industry standards.

“The youth of Assam are eager to learn and improve their livelihoods. This initiative not only supports that drive but aligns with the broader goal of Viksit Bharat—an empowered and self-sufficient India,” he added.