Guwahati: Assam‘s Minister for Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, Biswajit Daimary, recently chaired a series of review meetings focused on enhancing employment opportunities and skill development initiatives across the state. The discussions, held on September 23, 2026, at Janata Bhawan, underscored the government’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment and fostering a skilled workforce.
The meetings involved a comprehensive review of the Employment Wing under the Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training (DECT), plans for restructuring the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, and the development of an integrated framework for youth empowerment. Key proposals included establishing a Global Skill Centre in Guwahati, along with satellite centres in three other major cities, and introducing future skills training in 800 schools statewide.
What was announced
Minister Biswajit Daimary presided over multiple review sessions on September 23, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the Minister’s Office, Janata Bhawan, according to the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer. The initial meeting focused on the Employment Wing of the Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training (DECT), Assam, which operates under the Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship Department.
Discussions also covered the bifurcation of the erstwhile Sports and Youth Welfare Department and the modalities for its restructuring. Representatives from organisations such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Bharat Scouts & Guides, and the Assam Youth Commission participated in deliberations aimed at developing an integrated framework for youth empowerment.
Subsequent meetings addressed various aspects of the Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship Department, including the status of ongoing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between DECT and various organisations. Officials also explored possibilities for adopting new approaches and partnerships.
New initiatives reviewed included a proposal for an Externally Aided Project (EAP) and the establishment of a Global Skill Centre in Guwahati. This centre would be complemented by Satellite Global Skill Centres planned for Silchar, Bongaigaon, and Dibrugarh. Additionally, the meetings discussed the proposed introduction of future skills in approximately 800 schools across Assam through a Hub-and-Spoke model, alongside efforts to strengthen Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), improve training, assessment, certification support, and enhance the capacity of faculty and trainers.
Why it matters
These initiatives are crucial for Assam, which faces a significant challenge in youth employment. As of June 30, 2026, more than 15.43 lakh people were registered as active job seekers in the state, according to data presented to the Legislative Assembly. Graduates constitute the largest segment among these registered job seekers.
The proposed Global Skill Centres and the introduction of future skills in schools aim to equip Assam’s youth with industry-relevant competencies, thereby enhancing their employability and fostering entrepreneurship. This aligns with the state government’s vision to transform Assam into the “National Skills Capital by 2026.”
The restructuring of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department and the creation of an integrated youth empowerment framework are expected to streamline various youth-focused programmes, improving coordination and ensuring that young people have better access to education, training, and employment opportunities.
Background
The Assam government has been actively pursuing skill development and youth empowerment initiatives for several years. In August 2025, the Assam Cabinet approved a ₹600-crore skill development project aimed at establishing modern education and training centres across the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had highlighted the government’s commitment to nurturing skilled manpower and driving economic growth through this initiative.
Earlier, in August 2026, Chief Minister Sarma announced the creation of a dedicated Department of Youth Welfare and Empowerment, with a target launch date of September 17, 2026. This new department is intended to consolidate various youth-focused programmes and services, including those from the National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), and Employment Exchanges, under a single administrative framework.
Existing schemes like the Swami Vivekananda Assam Youth Empowerment (SVAYEM) Yojana, launched in 2017 and re-announced in 2026, provide financial support to youth for income-generating activities in manufacturing, trading, and service sectors. Under the Re-SVAYEM scheme, the government aims to provide ₹50,000 each to two lakh educated youth to encourage entrepreneurship.
The Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM), operating under the Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department, serves as an apex body for skill development activities, focusing on short-term training to address skill gaps and promote assured employment and entrepreneurship.
Key details
The review meetings on September 23, 2026, covered several specific proposals:
- Establishment of a Global Skill Centre in Guwahati.
- Creation of Satellite Global Skill Centres in Silchar, Bongaigaon, and Dibrugarh.
- Introduction of future skills training in approximately 800 schools across Assam using a Hub-and-Spoke model.
- Strengthening of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and enhancement of training, assessment, and certification support.
- Capacity development programmes for faculty and trainers in skill development institutions.
- Review of ongoing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) of the Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training (DECT) with various organisations.
- Consideration of a new Externally Aided Project (EAP) to support skill development initiatives.
- Discussions on developing an integrated framework for youth empowerment, involving organisations like NCC, Bharat Scouts & Guides, and Assam Youth Commission.
What’s next
The proposals reviewed by Minister Daimary will now move towards detailed implementation. The establishment of the Global Skill Centres and the rollout of future skills in schools will require coordinated efforts across departments and collaborations with various industries and educational institutions. The effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on their successful execution and their ability to connect young people with tangible employment opportunities. Officials are expected to work on the modalities for the Externally Aided Project and to finalise the restructuring of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department.