Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma Strengthens India-Japan Ties, Announces Training of 3,000 Nurses for Jobs in Japan

So far, 50 nurses from the state are already working in Japan, while 500 more are undergoing training.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced significant initiatives to deepen economic collaboration between Meghalaya and Japan, leveraging India’s strong bilateral relationship with Japan.

Speaking at the 5th India-Japan Conclave in Guwahati, he stressed the state’s focus on creating new opportunities for its youth, particularly in the healthcare sector.

The Chief Minister revealed that Meghalaya has initiated a program to train 3,000 nurses in Japanese language and healthcare skills, enabling them to secure employment in Japan. So far, 50 nurses from the state are already working in Japan, while 500 more are undergoing training. The number is expected to increase to 5,000 in the next four to five years.

“When recruitment agencies wanted to hire nurses from Meghalaya, there was skepticism among the youth and their families due to high training costs and safety concerns. The state government intervened, offering financial support for training and ensuring the safety of those recruited,” he said.

Sangma also personally accompanied the first batch of nurses to Japan, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring smooth transitions and safe employment opportunities for the youth.

Beyond healthcare, Meghalaya is looking at other sectors for collaboration with Japan. Agriculture is one such area where the state has already partnered with Yats Corporation Company Ltd., a Japanese firm, to promote Shiitake mushroom cultivation. The government has procured advanced machinery and equipment to enhance farming techniques and boost agricultural exports.

Sangma also spoke about exploring job opportunities in other skill-based sectors, stating that Meghalaya has a young workforce, with nearly 45% of its population below the age of 19. The government aims to train and send skilled workers beyond the state and the country.

The Chief Minister stressed the need for regional connectivity and economic corridors. He cited the Phulbari to Dhubri bridge as a prime example of infrastructure projects that could boost trade by linking the Northeast with Bangladesh and other neighboring regions.

“The Northeast must unite as a region to explore its collective potential in international trade and commerce,” he said, emphasizing that strengthening connectivity and partnerships will help in economic growth.

During his visit, Sangma held discussions with Ono Keiichi, Japan’s Ambassador to India and Bhutan, to further bridge the human resource gap in Japan’s healthcare sector and strengthen ties between the two nations through Meghalaya. The discussions also covered avenues for collaboration in technology, skill development, and agriculture.

Reiterating the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong India-Japan relationship, Sangma said Meghalaya is keen on leveraging these ties for economic growth and employment generation.

“We are not a big state, but we have our own strengths and opportunities. We will do a few things, but we will do them well,” he added.

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