Shillong, June 4 : With an ambitious goal to establish Meghalaya as a hub for hospitality and tourism, the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) today organized a comprehensive tourism & hospitality stakeholder discussion at the State Convention Centre. The event brought together a diverse group including hoteliers, homestay owners, representatives from the Indian Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), placement companies, owners of local fast food joints, and MSSDS-empanelled local training providers.
During a presentation, Jagdish Chelani reiterated the state’s potential in its young and skilled workforce. He stated that by 2030, the State government, in collaboration with MSSDS, aims to create a world-class skill development ecosystem to enhance employment and stimulate economic growth. Chelani informed attendees of the State government’s objective to train 1.5 lakh youths, with a target of 70% securing job and entrepreneurship opportunities. “Under MSSDS, we have trained over 24,560 youths from across 12 districts. We have 102 training providers and 307 training centres in 28 different sectors, securing 149 trades,” he added.
In a strategic move to further fortify the tourism sector and leverage the potential of Meghalaya’s youth, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed between MSSDS and North East Maritime Associates (NEMA). The agreement was formalized by Jagdish Chelani, IAS, Executive Director, MSSDS, and Ishita Chattopadhyay, Managing Director and CEO of Confidence Shipping, NEMA.
The MoU’s core objective is to establish a cutting-edge hospitality training ecosystem within Meghalaya. This initiative is designed to generate sustainable job opportunities across various sectors, including yachting, river tourism, cruise lines, maritime hospitality, hotels, hospitals, resorts, tourism operations, homestays, B&Bs, and domestic hospitality services.
The program also featured presentations from MSSDS Industry Partners, including 2COMS, Asporea, Saathiya, Runo Health (in collaboration with Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association), Ascensive Educare, and North East Maritime Associates (NEMA) alongside the Institute of Hotel Management, Shillong.
To foster a more interactive and constructive dialogue, an open discussion was held later in the day. The session was moderated by Jagdish Chelani, IAS, Executive Director, MSSDS; Dr. Balabynta Kharshiing, Principal, IHM; Parambir Singh Sehdave, President, Federation of Shillong Hotels; and E. B. Blah, Proprietor, Clara Tours. Participants included representatives from homestays, hotels, tour operators, and local training providers.
