Guwahati: Minister of Skills, Employment and Entrepreneurship Jayanta Mallabaruah has shared his vision for transforming Assam into a hub for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs at the Industry Meet hosted by the Government of Assam, where key industry leaders, academics, and government officials came together to discuss the future of skill development and employment in the state on December 3, 2024.
Business North East (BNE) spoke to Jayanta Mallabaruah on the sidelines of the Industry Meet, during which he highlighted the critical role of skill development in driving Assam’s economic growth.
“Our vision is to create an ecosystem that supports skill development, fosters entrepreneurship, and generates new employment opportunities. By aligning our initiatives with the needs of industries and academia, we aim to equip our youth with the skills they need to succeed in an ever-evolving job market,” Assam minister Jayanta Mallabaruah told BNE.
The event, which focused on fostering collaboration between the government, industry, and academia, witnessed the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with industry leaders such as Scientech, Festo, Honda CSR, ABB, and Janatics. These partnerships aim to improve technical training, boost employment opportunities, and strengthen the skill development ecosystem in Assam.
Jayanta Mallabaruah emphasized that these collaborations are vital for ensuring that skill training programs remain relevant to the demands of the workforce. “These MoUs are an important step in enhancing our skill ecosystem. They will create more job opportunities, foster innovation, and help us build a workforce that meets the needs of modern industries,” he further explained.
He also spoke about the importance of the 'Assam Skill University' in addressing the skill gap. “ASU is playing a crucial role in bridging the skill gap in Assam. Moving forward, we will focus on aligning the university’s programs with industry requirements,” he said, adding the university would continue to evolve to meet the demands of a changing economy, focusing on hands-on training and real-world applications of knowledge.
“We aim to create an institution where students are not just academically trained, but are also equipped with practical skills that make them industry-ready,” Jayanta Mallabaruah remarked while highlighting the importance of start-ups in driving innovation and creating jobs.
“Start-ups are an integral part of our economic strategy. They create jobs and foster innovation essential for growth. We are committed to providing an environment that supports start-ups through funding, mentorship, and access to resources,” he said.
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He emphasized the need for more incubation centres, skill development programs, and streamlined regulatory processes to ensure new businesses thrive in Assam. “By providing the right infrastructure and support, we aim to nurture an entrepreneurial ecosystem that will help Assam’s economy grow sustainably,” the minister shared during the BNE interview.
Moreover, he outlined the subsequent steps in driving skill development and employment in Assam. He shared the importance of public-private partnerships and the expansion of skill training initiatives across the state. "The state is focused on enhancing the ITI ecosystem and working closely with industries to ensure training programs align with the skills required in the current job market," he said.
The minister of Skills, Employment and Entrepreneurship further revealed that the government is focusing on emerging sectors like technology and green energy, creating new job opportunities for the youth of Assam.
“We aim to ensure that our workforce is not only employable within Assam but is also competitive in the national and international job markets,” he told BNE during the interview.
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