Assam Cabinet Approves ₹600-Crore Skill Development Project in Partnership with Tata Group

The Assam cabinet has taken a significant step toward strengthening skill development and vocational education in the state by approving a ₹600-crore project in collaboration with Tata Group’s Nelco. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a press conference held after the cabinet meeting on Thursday.

The project is designed to establish a network of skill education centres across Assam, aimed at equipping the youth with practical training, modern trades, and employable skills to meet the growing demands of industries. According to the Chief Minister, the initiative will be funded jointly by the Assam government and the Tata Group. Notably, Tata will shoulder the bulk of the financial responsibility, covering 75 percent of the total project cost, while the state government will contribute the remaining share.

To ensure effective implementation, the government has designated the Sarba Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) as the nodal agency. The model will be structured around a “hub and spoke” approach, wherein 50 hubs and 500 spokes will be established across the state. The hubs will function as centralised, advanced training centres focusing on futuristic skill development in ten different trades. These centres are expected to introduce innovative, industry-aligned training that goes beyond traditional education. On the other hand, the spokes will be set up in schools, offering vocational education under SSA to ensure skill training is integrated at the grassroots level.

The first phase of the project will see the establishment of 10 hubs and 70 spokes. Each hub and spoke will be linked through satellite-based communication services provided by Tata’s Nelco, ensuring seamless connectivity, monitoring, and delivery of training modules. This technology integration is expected to enhance the quality of education and bridge geographical barriers, especially in remote areas of Assam.

Apart from skill development, the cabinet also approved the release of sanction letters to more than 3.14 lakh beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). This decision reflects the government’s commitment to addressing rural housing needs and ensuring that families in rural areas have access to proper shelter.

During the press conference, Chief Minister Sarma expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continuous support toward Assam’s educational and economic development. He pointed out that the Prime Minister’s backing has been instrumental in securing recent landmark projects for the state, including the approval for establishing an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Guwahati. This, coupled with the new skill development initiative, marks a transformative phase in Assam’s journey toward becoming an educational and industrial hub in the Northeast.

Sarma further highlighted that the ₹600-crore project is not limited to just skill training but will also act as a catalyst for research, innovation, and industry linkages in the region. By creating an ecosystem where students can access cutting-edge training, collaborate with industries, and explore entrepreneurial ventures, the project is expected to expand job opportunities and reduce unemployment in the state.

In conclusion, the Assam cabinet’s approval of this ambitious project with Tata Group represents a forward-looking step toward building a skilled workforce. Alongside housing support through PMAY-G and the establishment of IIM Guwahati, the initiative underscores the state’s commitment to holistic development—balancing education, employment, and infrastructure for a stronger future.