Over 500 aspirants register at Meghalaya’s Overseas Job Fair

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 18, 2024

The State Convention Centre buzzed with excitement as over 500 job seekers gathered for the Overseas Job Fair, organized by the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS) under the Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development, Government of Meghalaya on September 17.

This event, aimed at opening global opportunities for the youth of Meghalaya, was a resounding success.

The event was graced by Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Health, Government of Meghalaya, who shared her recent experience visiting three Meghalayan nurses in Japan, placed through the previous job fair. Dr. Ampareen encouraged others to explore opportunities in Japan and beyond, citing the state’s preparations to send nurses to Singapore.

She emphasized the importance of empowering youth to access better learning, exposure, and career prospects. Speaking on initiatives like the Overseas Job Fair 2024, she also added, “We’re not just giving opportunities to citizens in general, but also taking care of special groups, training carpenters with disabilities, and empowering women in various sectors.”

Executive Director of MSSDS, Ram Kumar S, IAS, highlighted the challenges faced by Meghalaya’s youth, with over 80,000 individuals seeking opportunities annually. To address this, the state has launched initiatives like Prime and Skills Meghalaya to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship, providing alternatives to traditional government jobs. “Unless we individually cultivate the skills and expertise demanded by global employers,” Ram Kumar said, “national development will remain elusive. Ultimately, people development is the catalyst for national progress.”

The job fair saw an overwhelming response, with more than 500 aspirants registering for placements across sectors such as nursing, hospitality, aviation, dietician, agriculture, and technicians. This underscores the importance of such programs for youth in states like Meghalaya, where opportunities are limited.