Assam Government Introduces Financial Aid for Japanese Language Training

Financial Support for Language Training

Guwahati, July 5: The Assam administration has unveiled a financial assistance program aimed at students enrolled in Japanese language courses as part of the Chief Minister's Foreign Languages Initiative for Global Human Talent (CM-FLIGHT).

During a visit to the Japanese language training center in Garchuk, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that eligible students would receive financial support of up to Rs 1.5 lakh prior to their departure for Japan, along with expedited education loans through banks.

"Our goal is to eliminate financial barriers for students seeking overseas job opportunities. We will provide financial aid in phases throughout their training period," Sarma stated.

As per the Chief Minister, students will be granted Rs 30,000 after completing the first three months, Rs 60,000 after six months, and the final Rs 40,000 upon finishing nine months of training.

Additionally, those who obtain visas for Japan will receive an extra Rs 50,000 to assist with travel and relocation costs.

Sarma encouraged students to concentrate on their studies and emphasized the importance of passing the required exams on their first attempt.

"Multiple attempts can increase the financial strain on students. Utilize the learning tools, study materials, and resources available to you, and aim to pass both the Japan Foundation Test (JFT) and the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) exams on your first try," he advised.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that discussions would be held with the State Bank of India and other financial institutions to facilitate quicker processing of education loans for participants in the program.

Sarma noted that the success of the initial batches would influence the future growth of the initiative.

"This is our first significant batch in practical terms. If these students excel and secure jobs, interest in learning Japanese will rise considerably throughout Assam. We plan to introduce more language and skill-based courses in the future based on the success of this initiative," he remarked.

He further pointed out that acquiring Japanese language skills would not only create job opportunities in Japan but also within India.

"India is home to nearly 15,000 Japanese companies, and I anticipate that more Japanese industries will set up operations in Assam in the next two to three years. They will naturally prefer candidates who can communicate in Japanese. Thus, even if someone cannot go to Japan immediately, these language skills will still lead to promising career opportunities in India," he explained.

Sarma added that students who work in Japan for three to four years would gain invaluable international experience before deciding whether to stay abroad or return to India to work with Japanese firms.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that the government is exploring additional sectors under Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program to introduce examinations for a broader range of occupations.

Currently, the training center hosts 54 students across four batches, including candidates from both the Information Technology (IT) and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) streams.

IT candidates must pass the Japan Foundation Test (JFT), while SSW candidates are required to clear both the JFT Basic and the Specified Skilled Worker examinations. The JFT Basic examination center is located in Guwahati.

The next batch is set to begin on August 17, accommodating 20 students. Most applicants have already registered, and admissions will be finalized through an entrance exam and interview. Another batch is planned for September as part of the program's expansion.

To meet the increasing demand, the government is also considering relocating the training program to a larger venue and increasing its capacity.

In addition to ASEAN ONE, which currently runs the program, Mirai Japanese Learning Center and Jaceex Venture LLP have also been brought on board as training partners.

Earlier on Saturday, Sarma met with Toshiaki Nishikawa of ASEAN ONE to discuss the next phase of expanding the CM-FLIGHT Japanese language program.

He reiterated the government's commitment to broadening the initiative to equip more Assamese youth with global language skills and enhance overseas employment prospects.