Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated a new vocational training hub at the Oju Welfare Association in Naharlagun. The initiative aims to equip local youth and women with job-ready skills while promoting self-reliance through education and hands-on training.
The new facility will serve as a key center under the state’s broader mission to enhance employment opportunities and support entrepreneurship. Officials say it marks a pivotal step in expanding the reach of government-backed vocational programs into grassroots communities.
This launch signifies a clear vocational training boost in Arunachal, with a focus on real-world job skills and inclusive development.
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Empowering Youth Through Practical Skills
During the inauguration, CM Khandu emphasized the need to bridge the gap between education and employment. “Our youth must be empowered not just with degrees, but with skills that translate into jobs,” he said. He highlighted the state’s commitment to encouraging skill-building among school dropouts and women seeking livelihood avenues.
The training hub, housed at Oju Welfare Association’s Naharlagun campus, will initially offer courses in tailoring, computer applications, beauty and wellness, and electrical maintenance. Trainers certified by national-level institutions will conduct regular sessions.
This move directly supports the vocational training boost in Arunachal, aligning with the Skill India Mission and regional development goals.
Oju Welfare Association: Driving Social Change
The Oju Welfare Association, a trusted local NGO, has long been involved in supporting underprivileged women and children. Its partnership with the state government in launching the new training hub has been welcomed by the community.
Founder-chairperson Anya Ratan lauded the CM’s proactive approach. “This center will not only teach skills, but build confidence, especially among young women who wish to earn and contribute to their families,” she said.
The collaboration reflects how government and civil society partnerships can accelerate a vocational training boost in Arunachal, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Government’s Broader Vocational Agenda
The training hub is part of a larger vision to make Arunachal a model state for youth empowerment. CM Khandu outlined plans to replicate such centers in each district, allowing widespread access to vocational education and training (VET).
According to officials, the government will also introduce mobile training vans to reach remote villages. These mobile units will carry equipment and trainers to conduct short-term certification courses at the grassroots level.
The vocational training boost in Arunachal is expected to reduce migration of youth to other states in search of work, by opening up local job opportunities in both public and private sectors.
Focus on Women and Marginalized Groups
What sets this initiative apart is its targeted approach toward marginalized groups. Many of the first batch of trainees are young women from disadvantaged backgrounds, some of whom are survivors of domestic abuse or single mothers.
By offering free training, the center removes financial barriers that often prevent such individuals from accessing education. Additionally, it will provide career counseling and job placement support in partnership with local industries.
The vocational training boost in Arunachal is not just about skill-building—it’s about inclusive growth and restoring dignity through opportunity.
Voices from the Community
The center has already enrolled over 100 candidates for its first cycle of training. Rina Tani, an 18-year-old participant, expressed her excitement. “I want to start my own tailoring business. This training gives me the confidence and tools to do that,” she said.
Local leaders and panchayat members attended the inauguration and assured the administration of their full support in spreading awareness and encouraging enrolment.
Such community participation is critical to sustaining the vocational training boost in Arunachal, officials believe.
Looking Ahead
The government plans to assess the performance of the Naharlagun center over the next six months. Based on feedback, it will scale the model to other districts, incorporating more trades and possibly setting up hostel facilities for outstation trainees.
CM Khandu concluded the launch event by stating that Arunachal’s future depends on how effectively it harnesses the potential of its young population. “We have the vision, and now we have the tools,” he said.
The new training hub is expected to generate at least 300 trained individuals annually in its initial phase.
The inauguration of the vocational center at Naharlagun is a promising start to a broader mission. With the CM’s backing and the support of committed NGOs like Oju Welfare Association, the vocational training boost in Arunachal seems poised for long-term success.
As skill development becomes central to the state’s development narrative, initiatives like these can transform lives, communities, and the very fabric of Arunachal’s workforce.