Shillong, Nov 17: In the backdrop of enhanced ties between Meghalaya and Japan, a Japanese training programme was launched by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in the city on Monday.
The training is expected to pave the way for increased employment of skilled manpower from Meghalaya in the world’s fourth largest economy and one of the most advanced countries.
Altogether 86 students have registered for the 6-month course.
In his address, the Chief Minister revealed altogether 37 nurses are currently working in Japan with more expected to join in the coming months.
The number has increased from just two nurses, who were sent two years ago in this journey of collaboration with Japan.
“Our nurses working in Japan today are at N4 Grading and we wish our nurses to be N3 Grade nurses for higher salaries. Our nurses are on an average sending about Rs 1 lakh back home to their families and the foreign exchange coming into our state through these 37 nurses is about Rs 5 crore annually,” he said.
Launch of the Japanese language training organised by Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) was also attended by Labour Minister Methodius Dkhar and Asean Group Chairman and CEO Nishikwa Toshiaki San.
Stating that Meghalaya is working very closely with Japan in multiple sectors, the chief minister said, “Our thought process is very clear and focussed. We don’t want to have multiple tie-ups with multiple nations, because if you try to tie up with everybody, you will not have a relationship with anybody.”
He pointed out that Japan and the North Eastern states have similarities in terms of food and culture and Japan has been working collaboration with India for many years.
The Chief Minister said the government would like to provide the opportunity to the youth of the state to go to Japan not only to earn their livelihoods but also to gain experience.
“This is where the partnership between ASEAN group and the Meghalaya government comes into the picture and we as a government are facilitating this entire process,” he said.
He also informed that the 37 nurses who are in Japan had to undergo training in Bangalore for six months. “You are fortunate for you will be trained right here in Shillong,” he said.
Welcoming the two tutors from Japan, the Chief Minister said though there would be challenges, the government and the people of Meghalaya will do their best to ensure their comfortable stay in the state.
