GuwahatI: The Chairman of All India Society for Electronics and Computer Technology (AISECT), Santosh Kumar Choubey, recently spoke about the vision and plans to revolutionize skill development and job Opportunities in northeast India. AISECT is a social enterprise that offers skill development, higher education, and other services in rural and semi-urban areas of India.
AISECT provides services, which include vocational training, computer literacy, financial inclusion, e-governance, and higher education. Reportedly, AISECT operates in twenty-eight states and three union territories, with over 20,000 centres and offices. If reports are to be believed, AISECT has trained over 26 lakh people, created jobs for over 100,000, and improved the lives of over 50 lakh people.
Business North East (BNE) conducted an exclusive interview with AISECT Chairman Santosh Kumar Choubey, the excerpts of which are as follows:
BNE: How is AISECT contributing to skill development, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship in the Northeastern region, and what impact have these initiatives had on local communities?
Santosh Kumar Choubey: At present, AISECT is the largest social enterprise in the country. It works in four areas: skill development, financial inclusion, higher education, and startup entrepreneurship, along with new initiatives. We have been operating in the Northeastern region for the last 10 to 12 years, and I’m happy to share that we now have 685 centres across the Northeastern states, including Assam, where we are actively engaged in three to four key areas.
The first is skill development, with over 200 dedicated centres. The second is financial inclusion programs, which allow unemployed graduates or 10+2 pass-outs to learn basic computer skills and set up financial inclusion centres. These centres enable individuals to earn around Rs 50,000 monthly, mainly via partnerships with organizations like SBI. We are also promoting startup and entrepreneurship programs. In future, we aim to expand further in all these directions.
BNE: What kind of job opportunities will this bring for students?
Santosh Kumar Choubey: The IT sector has significantly evolved as it shifted from BPO-based opportunities to future skills. We plan to establish a Future Skills Academy in the region, focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, and Robotics. These sectors present emerging opportunities, with India taking a leading position globally.
Additionally, animation and gaming are gaining traction, and we see the potential for the Northeast to become a hub for these industries. We are also promoting international languages, which can open up global job markets for students.
BNE: Could you mention some of these languages?
Santosh Kumar Choubey: Medical professionals with German language skills can easily find jobs. Similarly, Japan is highly sought after as Japan is looking for skilled professionals from India. These are some of the languages we are prioritizing.
Furthermore, we are exploring localized job opportunities. Handicrafts, for instance, is a significant sector in the Northeast. By creating a dedicated handicraft portal, we can involve women’s groups in production and promotion, increasing their incomes. Textiles and bamboo products are other areas that can provide substantial employment. Forest and agricultural products also hold immense potential. A portal showcasing these products to the global market could significantly enhance income levels.
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BNE: What strategies is AISECT implementing to expand its reach in NE, and how will Centers of Excellence and Recognition of Prior Learning initiatives contribute to its development?
Santosh Kumar Choubey: Our immediate goal is to double our numbers. Currently, we have around 200 skilling centres, and we aim to expand to 400. We cover 68 out of 123 districts in the North, roughly 55–60 percent. Our target is to increase this to 100 districts.
A major focus is on Financial inclusion. Approximately 500 students are currently benefiting from our programs in this region. We aim to scale this to a few thousand students soon. Similarly, skilling programs currently attract about 1,000 students, which can also be significantly increased. We plan to set up several Centers of Excellence, such as a Future Skills Academy, an Animation and Gaming Academy, and a Handicrafts Academy specific to the Northeast. These centres will be located in Guwahati and across various states. Another key initiative is the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which will validate the skills that individuals - such as artisans and students - have learned informally, enabling them to receive government certifications.
Additionally, we are planning an annual cultural festival to showcase the rich arts, music, and culture of the Northeast. This will provide a platform for states to present their unique heritage to a national and international audience, strengthening their linkages and economic contributions.
BNE: Is there any collaboration with the government? Are they providing any funding?
Santosh Kumar Choubey: We already work under various Government of India schemes for skilling and skill development. We are in talks with the Assam government for collaboration. We also work with state skill development missions. We plan to secure funds from the Ministry of Development of the Northeastern Region (DoNER) and other government bodies for some specific projects. We are also tapping into CSR funds for financing initiatives like conferences, cultural performances, and skilling programs.
BNE: What kind of companies or organizations will collaborate for placement purposes?
Santosh Kumar Choubey: All major corporations, including Microsoft and leading IT companies, collaborate with us. These include firms from across India, particularly the South. There’s no shortage of job opportunities; our focus is preparing students to pursue these roles.
Students must learn foreign languages apart from having specific domain knowledge, as this combination enhances employability. Placement camps will be organized, not just for formal students but also for those in non-formal education streams.
Moreover, localized industries such as hospitals, hotels, construction, textiles, and handicrafts offer significant job opportunities. These roles range from entry-level to specialized positions with some of the biggest companies.
BNE: What can students expect after completing the courses? What will their starting salary be?
Santosh Kumar Choubey: After completing a one-year course with graduation, students can expect an annual package of around Rs 3 lakhs (approximately Rs 20,000 per month). Graduates with Math can earn Rs 5 to 6 lakhs annually for specialized courses like Data Science or Data Analytics. If they choose to work abroad, they can earn around 3000 to 4,000 Dollars, around 3. 3 lakhs Indian rupees per month. With experience, these figures can rise significantly. For example, after 6 to 7 years, professionals can earn between Rs 30 to 40 lakhs annually, depending on their proficiency and expertise.
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