Guwahati (Assam) [India], October 12 : In a landmark initiative aimed at transforming the state's youth into globally competitive professionals, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched Chief Minister's Foreign Languages Initiative for Global Human Talent (CM-FLIGHT) at a function held at the North East Skill Centre in Guwahati on Sunday.
It is worth noting that under the scheme, 180 candidates will undergo Japanese language training (JFT Basic/JLPT N4) in the first batch through three international partners: ASEAN-ONE Co. Ltd., Jaceex Ventures LLP, and Meiko Career Partners Co. Ltd.
The initiative envisages equipping Assam's youth with foreign language and workplace readiness skills to enhance their employability in global sectors like construction, nursing care and food services, etc.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that CM-FLIGHT is far more than a language training program.
"It is a mission to instil self-belief, ambition, and global readiness among the youth of Assam. With CM-FLIGHT, we are preparing our young generation not just to find jobs abroad but to excel as global professionals who will eventually return with enhanced skills and contribute to the growth of Assam," he said.
Chief Minister Sarma, moreover, observed that in an increasingly interconnected world, linguistic and cross-cultural competencies are critical to securing opportunities in the global workforce.
"The first phase of CM-FLIGHT will focus on Japan as a primary destination, recognising the country's demand for foreign skilled workers under its Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program. Sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and food processing have been identified as priority industries in need of skilled manpower," the Chief Minister said.
Throwing more light on CM-FLIGHT, Dr. Sarma said that the government would closely monitor the migration process, prioritising candidates' safety, dignity, and fair employment practices.
He stated that to make the program more inclusive and accessible, particularly for youth from economically weaker sections, his government has committed significant financial assistance.
He said that Rs. 1,00,000 per candidate will be provided to training and implementation partners to cover the cost of instruction, orientation, and documentation.
"Moreover, an additional Rs. Fifty thousand per candidate will be offered as post-placement assistance to support relocation costs, visa processing, and initial settlement abroad. This financial commitment ensures that deserving and meritorious candidates are not held back due to economic limitations and can fully benefit from the opportunities CM-FLIGHT provides," the Chief Minister added.
Sarma on the occasion also called upon the youth to view CM-FLIGHT not just as employment opportunities abroad, but a platform to represent Assam's talent, culture, and values on a global platform.
He recalled his meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, Fukushiro Nukaga, during his visit to Japan for Advantage Assam 2.0, where they held detailed discussions on potential collaboration and the possibility of facilitating overseas employment for skilled youth from Assam.
"Following the meeting, Fukushiro Nukaga led a high-level business delegation to Assam, which included Toshiaki Nishikawa, Chairman of ASEAN One Company Ltd., Japan, who expressed keen interest in equipping Assamese youth with Japanese language skills and supporting their placement in Japan," he said.
As a result of the partnership and mutual understanding, the Chief Minister informed that Nishikawa graciously agreed to reduce the candidate training fees from INR 3.6 lakh to INR 1.8 lakh. Further, he clarified that, after government support under the CM-FLIGHT initiative, the effective fee for candidates would be approximately Rs. 30,000, making this opportunity way more affordable and accessible for the youth of Assam.
Chief Minister Sarma said that there is an understanding between the Governments of Japan and India to facilitate the placement of five lakh Indian youth in Japan by 2030.
"Out of this, the Government of Assam has received assurances that 50,000 candidates from Assam will be part of this initiative, which could be extended to one lakh, depending on the state's pro-activeness and engagement," the Chief Minister said.
He emphasised that remittances play a pivotal role in enhancing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by bringing in steady foreign income and strengthening household purchasing power.
"These inflows not only contribute directly to a state's economy but also stimulate local development. States with a strong overseas workforce, such as Kerala and Maharashtra, have witnessed how remittances can drive economic resilience, create employment, and uplift communities," he said.
The Chief Minister underscored that by enabling skilled youth from Assam to access global job markets, initiatives like CM-FLIGHT can significantly boost the state's remittance inflow and, in turn, positively impact Assam's overall economic growth.
It is worth noting that, while Japan is the focal point of the pilot phase, the CM-FLIGHT scheme is designed for future expansion. The Government of Assam plans to include additional foreign languages and partner countries in subsequent phases, thereby creating a broad spectrum of overseas opportunities in multiple sectors and regions. This long-term vision aligns with the government's strategy to position Assam as a trusted source of skilled international talent, supported by its core values of honesty, hard work, discipline, and humility.
Addl. Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, Home and Political Department, Ajay Tewari, Addl. Chief Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development Department etc., Dr B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr K K Dwivedi, Principal Secretary, Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department etc Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Chairman of ASEAN One Company Ltd., Japan Toshiaki Nishikawa, Professor Parameswar K Iyer, IIT Guwahati and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.