In a significant leap towards shaping a globally competitive generation, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma recently launched the CM Flight- Chief Minister’s Foreign Languages Initiative for Global Human Talent- an initiative which aims to empower the youth of Assam to soar beyond borders. Designed as a bridge between local talent and international opportunities, the programme reflects the Government’s determination to turn Assam into a hub of skilled, globally employable professionals.
For decades, Assam’s youth have faced a frustrating paradox — immense potential, but limited platforms. While thousands of young men and women have left their hometowns in pursuit of better education and jobs, the State has struggled to retain and channel its talent into high-value careers. CM Flight is aimed to change that narrative.
Post the launch of the ambitious initiative, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma posted in social media, “In the first phase, 180 youth will receive Japanese language training along with cultural training, job placement support & financial assistance, further deepening our robust Indo-Japan collaboration across various sectors and boost people to people ties between Assam and Japan.”
He further added that the programme will be run in North East Skill Centre, Guwahati and equip our youth to make a mark in Japan’s globally renowned workplaces and boost their overall career prospects.
According to the Chief Minister the initiative is an extension of meetings held with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, Fukushiro Nukaga, which began with his visit to Japan ahead of Advantage Assam 2.0. Following these meetings, the Chairman of ASEAN One Company Ltd Toshiaki Nishikawa agreed to reduce the training fees from ₹3.6 lakh to ₹1.8 lakh. “Under the CM-FLIGHT programme, the Government will provide financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh per candidate towards training and to the implementation partners to cover the cost of instruction, orientation, and documentation. After placement, an additional ₹50,000 will be given to the candidates for relocation costs.”
Hope for Youths
“I have always dreamed of working abroad, but never imagined I could get the right exposure sitting here in Assam,” said Ritika Bora, a job aspirant from Nagaon. “This programme feels like that one chance for us to compete globally without having to migrate aimlessly.”
Echoing the sentiment, Abhijit Hazarika, a final year student of Bahona College Jorhat, said, “Our generation is tech-savvy but lacks structured skillsets. I am hopeful CM Flight will give us certifications and exposure matching global standards so that we can truly compete with anyone worldwide.”
Local Roots, Global Exposure
Beyond training, CM Flight promises international exposure and internships that would allow participants to gain first-hand experience of global work culture. Through partnerships with multinational corporations, universities, and Government agencies abroad, youths from Assam will get a glimpse into the standards and practices that define the world’s most competitive industries.
The programme also integrates a mentorship module, connecting young aspirants with industry veterans and professionals working overseas. This not only will enhance learning but also creates a network that supports long-term career growth.
“I have seen my seniors struggle to adjust when they go abroad due to cultural and workplace differences,” said Sneha Roy, an aspiring hospitality professional from Guwahati, adding, “However, if we get exposure visits or mentorship before we step out, it will make us more confident and prepared.”
The Government of Assam envisions the programme not merely as a job portal but as a social equalizer that gives every deserving youth regardless of their background.
