Guwahati, Oct 12: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today launched the Chief Minister’s Foreign Languages Initiative for Global Human Talent (CM-FLIGHT) at the North East Skill Centre in Guwahati.

The initiative marks Assam’s first large-scale foreign language and international workforce training programme, aimed at turning the state into a trusted source of skilled global talent.

In its first phase, 180 candidates will receive Japanese language training (JFT Basic/JLPT N4) through three international partners — ASEAN-ONE Co. Ltd, Jaceex Ventures LLP, and Meiko Career Partners Co. Ltd. The training will prepare participants for employment opportunities in Japan under its Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa programme, particularly in high-demand sectors like healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and food services.

“CM-FLIGHT is far more than a language training programme — it is a mission to instil confidence, ambition, and global readiness among the youth of Assam,” Dr. Sarma said. “We are preparing our young generation not just to work abroad but to excel as professionals who will eventually return with enhanced skills and contribute to Assam’s growth.”

To ensure inclusivity, the government will provide ₹1 lakh per candidate to cover training, orientation, and documentation costs, along with ₹50,000 as post-placement assistance for relocation, visa processing, and settlement expenses. “This ensures that no deserving candidate is denied an opportunity due to financial limitations,” Dr. Sarma emphasized.

The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of CM-FLIGHT as part of Assam’s broader vision to build a globally competitive, self-reliant workforce. He revealed that discussions with Japan’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Fukushiro Nukaga, during the Advantage Assam 2.0 visit paved the way for collaboration with Japanese partners. As a result, ASEAN-ONE Chairman Toshiaki Nishikawa agreed to halve training fees from ₹3.6 lakh to ₹1.8 lakh. With government support, the effective cost to candidates is just around ₹30,000.

Under an understanding between the Governments of India and Japan to place five lakh Indian youth in Japan by 2030, Assam has been assured 50,000 placements, with the potential to reach one lakh. “If we remain proactive, Assam can lead India’s contribution to Japan’s skilled workforce demand,” Dr. Sarma said.

He further underscored the economic potential of overseas employment, noting that remittances can significantly strengthen Assam’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), mirroring the experiences of states like Kerala and Maharashtra. “A strong overseas workforce not only brings in foreign income but also uplifts households, creates jobs, and drives economic resilience,” he said.

While Japan is the pilot destination, CM-FLIGHT will expand to other countries and languages in future phases, opening pathways for Assamese youth in diverse global industries. “This long-term vision aligns with our goal of positioning Assam as a reliable global talent hub defined by honesty, hard work, and humility,” the Chief Minister added.

Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretaries Ajay Tewari, Dr. B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, and Dr. K.K. Dwivedi, Principal Secretary Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, and Professor Parameswar K. Iyer of IIT Guwahati, attended the launch, along with Japanese dignitaries led by Toshiaki Nishikawa.

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