The Government of Assam has launched the Chief Minister’s Foreign Languages Initiative for Global Human Talent (CM-FLIGHT) at the North East Skill Centre in Guwahati, marking the state’s first large-scale foreign language and international workforce training programme. The initiative aims to position Assam as a trusted source of skilled global talent and to create overseas employment opportunities for its youth.
In its first phase, 180 candidates will undergo Japanese language training (JFT Basic/JLPT N4) through three international partners — ASEAN-ONE, Jaceex Ventures LLP, and Meiko Career Partners. The training will prepare them for employment in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa programme, targeting high-demand sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing and food services.
To ensure accessibility, the government will extend Rs 1 lakh per candidate to cover training, orientation and documentation expenses, along with an additional Rs 50,000 as post-placement assistance for relocation, visa processing and settlement. This financial support ensures that no eligible participant is excluded due to monetary constraints.
The initiative stems from discussions held with Japanese representatives during the Advantage Assam 2.0 visit, which paved the way for partnerships with international training organisations. Following these collaborations, ASEAN-ONE has reduced training fees from Rs 3.6 lakh to Rs 1.8 lakh, bringing the effective cost for candidates down to approximately Rs 30,000 after government support.
Under an ongoing agreement between India and Japan to place five lakh Indian youth in Japan by 2030, Assam has been assured 50,000 placements, with the possibility of scaling up to one lakh. The programme is expected to not only create global job opportunities but also generate long-term economic benefits for Assam through remittances and skill transfer.
While Japan serves as the pilot destination, CM-FLIGHT is envisioned to expand to other countries and languages in subsequent phases. The initiative reflects Assam’s gcommitment to building a globally-competitive, self-reliant workforce defined by skill, integrity and cultural adaptability.
