Shillong, Nov 18: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said that 37 nurses from the state, working in Japanese hospitals under a government collaboration, remit nearly Rs 5 crore annually to their families in Meghalaya. He made the announcement during the inauguration of a six-month Japanese language training programme in Shillong, organised by the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) under the Department of Labour, Employment & Skill Development.

Sangma highlighted that the state is focusing on building a long-term partnership with Japan, noting cultural and culinary similarities between Japan and Northeast India. The programme began with two nurses two years ago and has now expanded to 37. Currently at the N4 grade in Japan, these nurses are expected to advance to the N3 grade for higher salaries, sending around Rs 1 lakh per month each to Meghalaya, contributing substantially to the state economy.

The Chief Minister said the initiative aims to provide youth opportunities to earn abroad while gaining global exposure, supported by the ASEAN Group. While the present batch trained in Bengaluru, the upcoming batch will receive training locally in Shillong.

The event was attended by State Labour Minister Methodius Dkhar, ASEAN Group Co Ltd Chairman and CEO Nishikwa Toshiaki, Japanese tutors, and MSSDS officials. Sangma urged students to make the most of the programme, with 86 students enrolled so far.