Khandu inaugurates Indian Army’s Skill Centre in Menchuka to empower local youth and women

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 20, 2025

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated a Skill Development Centre in Menchuka, Shi-Yomi district, established by the Indian Army under Operation Sadbhavna on Saturday. The initiative aims to equip local youth and women with essential computer skills to improve their employment opportunities and foster self-reliance.

The centre, which features modern computer infrastructure and trained instructors, will offer courses in typing, Microsoft Office, and basic computer operations. It’s part of a broader push to bridge the digital divide in remote regions like Menchuka and help locals compete in an increasingly tech-driven economy.

“This centre is not just about computers—it’s about confidence, independence, and opening up new paths for the people of this region,” CM Khandu said during the inauguration ceremony. He praised the Indian Army for not only securing borders but also actively contributing to community development.

Local residents welcomed the initiative, calling it a long-awaited opportunity for skill enhancement. Many expressed hope that such efforts would help reduce unemployment and create new avenues for entrepreneurship, especially among women.

The Skill Development Centre aligns with the government’s National Policy on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, reinforcing the state and Centre’s joint commitment to inclusive growth.

The Indian Army, through Operation Sadbhavna, has been running several goodwill projects in border areas to strengthen civil-military relations. Officials said this latest move reflects their ongoing commitment to uplift marginalized communities in strategic but underdeveloped regions.

With increasing demand for digital literacy across all sectors, the centre is expected to play a key role in transforming the socio-economic landscape of Menchuka and nearby areas.