Overview

• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the scheme in Guwahati with the first cohort beginning Japanese-language instruction at the North East Skill Centre.
• Participants now face a reduced total course cost of Rs 1.8 lakh, with applicants paying Rs 30,000 as Assam contributes Rs 1 lakh and Japan Rs 50,000, and Axis Bank offering loans.
• The government set a goal to enable 50,000 Assamese youths to secure employment in Japan, with exploratory talks also underway with South Korea and Germany.
• JLPT N2 proficiency is required for placements, and applicants must be under 45 with at least Class 10, Class 12 or a graduate-level education.
• Initial training will prioritise driving, IT and nursing, delivered with partners ASEAN ONE, Jeceex and Meiko Career Partner, and officials say more centres may open at Gauhati and Dibrugarh universities as demand grows.