Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday, 21 May 2026 distributed work orders worth more than ₹16.59 crore and start-up tools to nearly 800 beneficiaries at the Skillerate 2026 programme in Tura, underscoring the state government's push to link skill training directly to employment and self-reliance among youth.

What Was Distributed

A total of 34 work orders were handed out under two schemes — Skills Meghalaya and the Supporting Human Capital Development in Meghalaya (SHCDM) — covering training for 4,830 trainees with a combined project value of ₹16,59,56,334. Of these, 28 work orders under Skills Meghalaya covered 3,930 trainees at a cost of ₹12.04 crore, while 6 work orders under SHCDM covered 900 trainees at ₹4.55 crore.

Start-up tools worth ₹44.72 lakh were additionally distributed to 798 beneficiaries across trades including plumbing, automotive servicing, masonry, gardening, farming systems, mushroom cultivation, and mobile phone repair.

What the Chief Minister Said

Addressing the gathering at Holly Hocks near the BAKDIL Training Centre, Chief Minister Sangma said skill development programmes must go beyond classroom training and provide practical support systems. He noted that feedback gathered through the government's CM Connect initiative had repeatedly flagged the need for stronger livelihood opportunities and self-employment support.

'Many trained individuals informed us that despite completing courses successfully, they lacked the basic tools required to begin working independently. This programme aims to bridge that gap,' Sangma said.

He added that the state had already invested more than ₹32 crore in various skill development initiatives, but recognised that training alone was insufficient without access to equipment and market linkages.

New Educational Institutions Announced

Chief Minister Sangma also announced the establishment of a new college focused on agriculture, horticulture and food processing in Williamnagar, and a veterinary college at Kyrdemkulai in Ri-Bhoi district. He said these institutions would support farmers and livestock rearers through research, innovation and technological advancement, alongside providing educational opportunities.

Minister's Remarks and Government Schemes

Labour, Employment and Skill Development Minister Methodius Dkhar said skill development acts as a bridge between a person's potential and purpose. He highlighted government initiatives including PROPEL, MEGASKILL, SHIELD, and EQUIP, aimed at improving livelihoods, expanding global opportunities and ensuring inclusive access to skill programmes.

The programme was organised by the Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development in collaboration with the CM Skills Mission and the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS). Beneficiaries and training partners shared testimonies on the positive impact of employment-linked training during the event.

As Meghalaya positions itself among India's faster-growing state economies, the government has signalled that the next phase of skill initiatives will focus on ensuring measurable employment outcomes rather than training numbers alone.