Tura, May 21, 2026: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday said the state’s youth remain its “biggest strength” as he highlighted the achievements of the government’s skilling and livelihood initiatives during the Skillerate 2026 programme held at Holly Hocks in Tura.
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| Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma with beneficiaries, officials and trainees during the Skillerate 2026 programme held at Holly Hocks, Tura, where PROPEL start-up tools and skill development projects were launched for youth across Garo Hills. (Image: X/SangmaConrad) |
Addressing the event, the Chief Minister announced the distribution of PROPEL start-up toolkits to 798 beneficiaries and the issuance of 34 work orders worth over ₹16.59 crore under Skills Meghalaya and the State Capability Enhancement and Human Development Mission (SHCDM). The projects are expected to provide skill training to 4,830 youth across the Garo Hills region.
Sangma said the state government has made deliberate investments in skill development, entrepreneurship and market linkages over the years to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for young people. He noted that Meghalaya has built a strong skilling ecosystem covering multiple sectors and industries.
According to official figures shared during the programme, more than 58,000 candidates have enrolled in various skill development initiatives across sectors, while over 28,000 youth have already received training in 22 sectors. The government has also supported more than 19,000 youth in self-employment activities and facilitated placement opportunities for over 3,200 candidates both within and outside the state.
Additionally, over 5,000 trainees have been assisted through post-training start-up tool support under different government schemes aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
The Chief Minister stated that between the financial years 2019 and 2025, Meghalaya generated more than 3.6 lakh livelihood opportunities through focused interventions in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, food processing and handicrafts.
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Emphasising that training alone is insufficient, Sangma said skilled youth also require access to tools, mentorship, market connections and employment opportunities. He said initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Skills Mission and PROPEL are helping bridge the gap between training and sustainable employment.
The government has now set a target of training 30,000 candidates during the financial year 2026–27, with a focus on improving placement outcomes and equipping youth with future-ready skills.
Congratulating the graduating trainees, Sangma encouraged them to work with dignity and confidence while contributing to the state’s economic growth and development.
