Meghalaya is facing a deficit of about 67,500 jobs in the government sector, prompting the administration to chalk out a plan to address the challenge, the assembly was informed on Tuesday. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that around 70,000 youth become eligible to join the workforce every year, but the government can provide only 2,000-2,500 jobs annually. “There is a deficit of around 67,500 jobs in the government sector, which is why the government is coming up with a holistic plan to cater to the 70,000 youth eligible to join the workforce,” Sangma said.
About 7,000 vacancies across government departments are currently under recruitment, Sangma added. To address the employment challenge, the administration has launched a career counselling programme targeting 25 sectors, including defence services, banking, and engineering. The Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) will coordinate the initiative through 34 centres statewide, offering trained advisers to guide youth.
Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma welcomed the initiative but emphasised the need for “handholding” of aspirants preparing for defence jobs. The Chief Minister responded that the programme has been designed to meet these specific needs. Under the state’s ‘Vision 2030’, the government has mapped sector-wise employment opportunities and estimated the investments required to create jobs. The tourism sector alone is expected to generate 54,000 positions, driven by growth in hospitality and demand for drivers and support staff.