Assam Government Initiates Financial Aid for Foreign Language Training
Launch of CM FLIGHT Scheme
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma along with govt officials rolling out funds under CM-FLIGHT Scheme on Tuesday (Photo: @CMOfficeAssam/X)
Guwahati, Sept 1: The Assam government has commenced the distribution of financial support through the Chief Minister’s Foreign Language for International Training (CM FLIGHT) initiative, allocating Rs 2.8 crore to date for training young individuals in foreign languages to enhance their prospects for overseas employment.
During a ceremonial event on Tuesday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the rollout of this scheme, which is currently being executed in collaboration with three institutions: ASEAN Assam Academy, MIRAI Japanese Learning Centre, and Jaceex Venture LLP, where 148 students have already undergone training.
As part of the initiative, each student will receive Rs 1.5 lakh to alleviate the financial burden associated with foreign language education, Sarma explained.
“We will disburse Rs 1 lakh at the start of the first year of training in three installments – 30%, 30%, and the final 40%,” he stated.
The remaining Rs 50,000 will be allocated to assist trained students with visa-related costs when they seek to travel abroad, the Chief Minister added.
Among the 148 students enrolled for the 2025-26 academic year, 24 have successfully passed the JFT Basic examination, while 52 new students have been admitted for the 2026-27 year, Sarma noted.
Initiated in October 2025, the CM FLIGHT program aims to equip Assamese youth with foreign language skills, preparing them for careers abroad.
The government intends to broaden the scope of this scheme in the upcoming years, with Sarma aiming to provide foreign language training to 10,000 students.
“I aspire for at least 10,000 students to receive this training. We will establish more institutions, ensuring that there is no shortage of facilities; all we require is students willing to embark on this journey,” he remarked.
Additionally, the government is considering the incorporation of spoken English and Japanese language training within General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) schools in Assam, given the increasing demand for caregivers and nurses internationally.
Sarma highlighted that declining birth rates in countries like Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Singapore have opened up new job opportunities for skilled Indian workers.
From IIT graduates and software engineers to drivers, caregivers, and nurses, a diverse array of overseas job prospects is emerging, he stated.
“Over 2,000 Japanese companies are currently operating in India. Even if we choose to remain in India, there is still a significant need for personnel proficient in the Japanese language,” Sarma concluded.
In a related development, the government also ceremonially distributed financial aid under the CM Jibon Prerana Scheme, granting Rs 10,000 each to 47,505 beneficiaries, covering assistance for the months of April, May, June, and July 2026, totaling Rs 47.50 crore.
However, Sarma mentioned that approximately 1,000 students were unable to receive the latest assistance due to issues with linking their Aadhaar to bank accounts.
“The government has assured that the funds will be transferred once the accounts are linked, and students facing ongoing issues can reach out to departmental officials,” he stated.
This scheme was established to provide financial support to students transitioning into the workforce after graduation.