LESDE Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar attends Northeast Skill & Entrepreneurship Conclave

Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar attended the “Northeast Skill & Entrepreneurship Conclave, 2024,” held at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Auditorium in Shillong. The event was organized by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati. Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Pu Jayant Chaudhary, MSDE, presided over the event, and Ministers from various Northeast states, responsible for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, were also in attendance. Mizoram’s participation was led by LESDE Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, accompanied by the Secretary of Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (LESDE), Pu Lalmalsawma Pachuau.

During the conclave, Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar emphasized the talents and skills of Mizo youth in fields such as sports, music, hospitality, beauty & wellness, services, and various other industries. He highlighted the importance of promoting these skills through the Central Government’s skill development schemes. The Minister stressed the need for special initiatives to ensure that the youth of Mizoram and the Northeast region fully benefit from these schemes, and called for more focus on equipping them with job-relevant skills. He urged Northeast youth to take full advantage of skill training centers across the region to achieve professional success.

Furthermore, the Minister commended Mizo youth for utilizing sports as a viable means of employment, demonstrating that sports are not only for recreation but also serve as an important sector for skilled work and career growth. With India preparing for the 2036 Olympics, he underscored the growing significance of skilling in sports-related fields.

LESDE Secretary Pu Lalmalsawma Pachuau presented a PowerPoint showcasing the achievements of Mizoram in skill development. He mentioned that during the IndiaSkills Competition 2023, Mizoram won four medals and four Medallions of Excellence, with five of the winners coming from ITIs and the Women’s Polytechnic. He also spoke about successful collaborations with industries to advance skill development and entrepreneurship in the state.

In 2023, a mega job fair was organized in Aizawl, providing employment opportunities for many youths. Pu Lalmalsawma Pachuau also outlined various initiatives like entrepreneurship programs under PUM and support systems for ITI graduates, such as the establishment of production centers. Additionally, the Mizoram Startup Mission, supported by the Planning & Programme Implementation Department, continues to provide assistance to entrepreneurs under the Mizoram RAHBI project. He further emphasized the state’s flagship ‘Bana Kaih’ scheme (Handholding Support) for budding entrepreneurs, which offers them financial and technical support.

In his keynote address, Union Minister Pu Jayant Chaudhary spoke about India’s diverse population and the need for close cooperation between the central government and states to advance skill development and entrepreneurship. He expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts among officials and ministers from Northeast states in advancing skill development. He also highlighted the critical role of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and mentioned the Central Government’s plan to establish 1,000 new ITIs.

The Union Minister reiterated the Central Government’s focus on Northeast India and announced that the various proposals discussed at the conclave would be considered for implementation. He also emphasized the importance of skill competitions and fostering skilled talent to create a culture of excellence.

The event saw the inauguration of 30 Entrepreneurship Development Centers in Northeast India by the Union Minister. Additionally, Pu Pritam Dutta, Director of MSDE, delivered a presentation highlighting various skill development and entrepreneurship programs undertaken by the Ministry in Northeast India. The conclave concluded with a video presentation on the theme of ‘Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in the Northeast Region,’ followed by presentations from several Northeast states outlining their achievements and future plans.