Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday laid the foundation of Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub, which he said, will go a long way in “promoting entrepreneurship” in the state.

The skill and innovation project will be constructed on a 6.54-acre plot in New Shillong at the cost of ₹77.5 crore. The facility will cater to the requirements of the youth for incubation, training, collaboration and industry partnerships.

“Skilling of youth is the need of the time. Around ₹ 60,000 crore has been earmarked for skilling 5 lakh youth in the next fiveyears in the country. The empowerment of the youth will ensure a big economic upsurge in the country,” Dhankhar said.

The Vice-President also launched the CM Business Catalyst: Student B-Plan Challenge with IIM Shillong and the signing of MoU between UNDP and the Government of Meghalaya on the promotion of entrepreneurship.

Governor C.H. Vijayashankar, chief minister Conrad K. Sangma and minister in charge of health Ampareen Lyngdoh were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Sangma said his government was supporting entrepreneurship in a big way, and to address the requirement of manpower shortage the skill and innovation hub was being set up.

“At least 85 per cent of our population is below the age of 45. The youth are our greatest strength and asset and we have initiated a programme that channelises the strength of our youth,” the chief minister said.

Talking about promoting rural entrepreneurs, the chief minister said that the government organises various business plan competitions and supports entrepreneurs.

Heroin arrest

A Myanmar national was arrested in east Mizoram’s Champhai district with heroin worth ₹ 32.9 lakh, the Assam Rifles said on Wednesday.