Government aims to empower Northeast India’s youth through skill development and entrepreneurship

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 2, 2023

To align efforts towards skilling and entrepreneurship in Northeast India, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics and Information Technology, along with Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, the Minister of State for Education and External Affairs, inaugurated the “Manthan2023” North-Eastern Skill & Entrepreneurship Conclave from September 1st to September 3rd, 2023, at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati.

This conclave serves as a platform to unite stakeholders including ministries, state governments, academia, industry associations, institutions, policymakers, corporations, and young Indians. The primary objective is to discuss and collaborate on skill and entrepreneurship development in Northeast India. Key topics include disseminating the vision of MSDE for the region, discussing the advantages of MSDE’s special package, and strengthening regional networks.

On the inaugural day, MSDE launched three residential skill training programs for electric vehicle service technicians, solar panel installation technicians, and electrical technicians. These programs are the result of a strategic partnership between the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) and IIT Guwahati. Further, a millet range of products developed by tribal candidates under TRISSAM have also been launched.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar highlighted the remarkable transformation in the Northeastern region over the last nine years, emphasizing the importance of skilling programs for entrepreneurs and job seekers. He spoke about the potential for self-help groups and FPOs to innovate and reach broader markets through digitization and technology platforms.

“Skills are the most important passport to jobs and opportunities. When we look at these opportunities — there is a global demand for Indian talent. There is a demand for newer skilled youth for the jobs that are being created by the economy. It is PM Modi ji’s mission is to build NayaBharat, NayeSkills, NayeAvsar and NayeRozgar by sowing seeds of entrepreneurship, investments, business and jobs with modern infrastructure,” he added.

Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for Education and External Affairs, said, “In the heart of the Northeastern Region, as we gather at the Manthan Conclave, I am filled with immense pride. This gathering signifies our commitment to empower the youth and nurture entrepreneurship in this region. Thanks to the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, Northeast is now a thriving part of India’s growth story. Asthalakshmi, his vision, will transform these eight states into vital contributors to India’s GDP. With initiatives like ‘Transforming Lives, Building Futures,’ we are building a robust ecosystem, empowering the region’s youth with industry-ready skills. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Northeast India.”

The Manthan Conclave, two sessions were held on “Skilling for Micro-Entrepreneurship & Entrepreneurship” and “Skills for future ready and Industry ready work force” focusing on strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Northeast region. Further, through awards and recognition, 8 successful entrepreneurs were felicitated from eight states of Northeast Region. An exhibition has also been inaugurated showcasing 250+ products from 80 Exhibitors from local artisans, craftsmen, and local nano entrepreneurs across the eight states of NER.

The event underscored MSDE’s commitment to comprehensive growth in the Northeastern region, emphasizing strategies like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the National Apprentices Promotion Scheme (NAPS). The government’s “Transforming Lives, Building Futures” initiative, launched in August 2023, aims to provide industry-relevant skill training to 2.5 lakh talented youth in the Northeastern Region through various schemes and initiatives, PMKVY, NAPS and Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS).

Distinguished attendees included Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, Sonal Mishra, Joint Secretary, MSDE, and several other government officials and dignitaries.