Shillong, Dec 11: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $64 million loan to support the second phase of Meghalaya’s Human Capital Development Project.

The loan was recommended by ADB’s Board of Directors and its President, Masatsugu Asakawa, highlighting its strategic importance for Meghalaya’s growth and human capital development.

“This initiative aims to transform education and skills development across the state, fostering human capital essential for Meghalaya’s economic growth and social well-being. By addressing critical gaps in education infrastructure, skills training, and institutional capacity, the project is set to empower Meghalaya’s youth, especially women and disadvantaged groups, with the knowledge and skills needed for meaningful employment and entrepreneurship” the Bank said.

1 . Transforming School Education

A significant portion of the ADB loan will focus on improving Meghalaya’s secondary and higher secondary school infrastructure. The project aims to upgrade 65 government schools, transforming 34 of them into “model schools” with safe, climate-resilient, and inclusive infrastructure. This includes the construction of classrooms, gender-friendly facilities like separate toilets, and digital learning tools such as smart classrooms and science labs for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education.

Teacher quality will also be enhanced through regular in-service training programs. A teacher needs assessment system will be implemented, and three District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) will be upgraded to provide gender-sensitive training facilities.

These measures aim to address the issue of high dropout rates, which stand at 21.7% at the secondary level. Enhanced facilities and teaching support will create a more engaging and inclusive learning environment, thereby encouraging more students, especially girls, to continue their education.

2. Strengthening Skills Training and Employment Opportunities

One of the most transformative components of the ADB loan is the establishment of the Meghalaya Skills and Innovation Hub (MSIH). This residential training facility will serve as a centre for advanced technical and vocational education. It will focus on providing training in IT, cybersecurity, tourism, and other sectors critical to the state’s growth. The MSIH will also promote “green skills” that align with sustainable development goals, such as clean energy trades like electric vehicle mechanics.

The program also aims to improve job placement rates, with a target of placing at least 65% of graduates in wage employment within six months of completing their training.

3 . Promoting Entrepreneurship and Innovation

In addition to wage employment, the ADB loan aims to foster entrepreneurship through incubation and acceleration support. The new Meghalaya Skills and Innovation Hub will support women-led and youth-led start-ups, providing them with access to training, mentorship, and financial support.

4. Enhancing Institutional Capacity

To ensure long-term sustainability, the ADB loan will strengthen Meghalaya’s education and skills development institutions. The Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) and the Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training (DECT) will be better equipped to manage and oversee training programs, forge industry partnerships, and ensure that training remains aligned with labor market needs.

5 . Addressing Climate and Environmental Challenges

Given Meghalaya’s vulnerability to climate-induced disruptions like landslides and floods, the project includes disaster preparedness measures for schools and training institutions. Schools will be equipped with emergency response plans, and infrastructure will be climate-resilient to withstand extreme weather events. Green building standards, such as the use of solar power and energy-efficient materials, will be adopted in the construction of new facilities.

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