Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday launched the Chief Minister’s Foreign Language Initiative (CM-FLIGHT) — an ambitious program aimed at training 50,000 youth in the Japanese language and helping them secure employment opportunities in Japan.
Under the initiative, eligible candidates will receive Japanese language training and, upon passing the proficiency exam, will be facilitated for jobs in Japan with five-year work visas and salaries of up to ₹2 lakh per month.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Nishikawa of Japan for significantly reducing the program fee through collaboration, making it affordable at just ₹30,000 after government subsidies. “During Advantage Assam 2.0, we signed three MoUs with Japan for language training and placement opportunities,” Sarma said.
Also Read: Assamese Diaspora in Singapore Extends Support to Zubeen Garg Death Probe, Confirms CM Sarma
Three training partners — ASEAN ONE, Jaceex Ventures LLP, and Meiko Career Partners Co. Ltd. — will conduct the courses and guide students under Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program. The total training cost of ₹1.8 lakh will be shared among the Assam government (₹1 lakh), the Japanese government (₹50,000), and the students (₹30,000).
The program, first announced on July 23, will prepare students for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) up to N2 level. Upon completion, successful candidates will be eligible for short-term paid work in Japan, gaining global exposure and skill enhancement.
Sarma also revealed that discussions are underway with South Korea and Germany to introduce similar foreign language and placement initiatives. “CM-FLIGHT is not just a training program — it’s a gateway for our youth to join the international workforce,” Sarma said. “It will help tackle unemployment and empower Assam’s young generation to thrive in a global environment.”
