Shillong: The Meghalaya government is banking on new and emerging sectors, such as AI, robotics, drone technology and design to generate employment opportunities.

The state is looking to strengthen the forward linkage component of the existing skilling programmes to create jobs and the new-age avenues are among the areas of focus. Other areas are tourism, agriculture and service sectors.

The target for employment-oriented skill development for 2023-24 is 20,000 and for 2023-28 1.2 lakh. The state has also allocated Rs 50 crore to construct skills parks in Shillong and Tura.

Besides, the ASPIRE Meghalaya, the soft skills programme, will continue to be implemented targeting 20,000 youths for the current fiscal. During the budget session last month, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma earmarked Rs 20 crore for this programme.

The state is also planning to expand the Chief Minister's Youth Development Scheme and YESS Meghalaya for better youth engagement. The government will fund registered youth organisations to engage in activities related to sports, arts, career counselling, climate action, cleanliness drives and others. It is planning to invest Rs 25 crore for the two programmes.

Also, 50 CM Youth Centres will be set up alongside sports infrastructure.

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