Shillong: The Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) has responded to reports circulating on social media and in sections of the media regarding allegations involving trainees undergoing On-the-Job Training (OJT) in Pune under a government-sponsored skill development programme.
In a statement, MSSDS said the Government of Meghalaya places the highest priority on the safety, dignity and welfare of every trainee and that all concerns are addressed promptly through established procedures. It added that official communication would be based on verified facts rather than speculation.
According to the statement, immediately after receiving information about the allegations on July 1, 2026, MSSDS instructed the concerned Training and Placement Provider (TPP) to contact all trainees, verify their well-being and facilitate the immediate return of any trainee wishing to discontinue the programme. The government said it would bear the full cost of return travel.
The Society stated that two trainees, including the complainant, chose to return to Meghalaya and arrangements were made without delay. It added that all remaining trainees were also informed that they could return at government expense but voluntarily decided to continue with their OJT and subsequent placement.
MSSDS said the allegations were verified through multiple independent channels, including interactions by the local police, representatives of a Meghalaya-based NGO, National Volunteers Meghalaya in Pune, and a separate video conference conducted by the Society. Based on these enquiries, the statement said, no material evidence or testimony had emerged so far to substantiate the allegations against either the employer or the empanelled TPP.
The trainees who remained in Pune reportedly informed officials that they felt safe, were comfortable with the training environment and wished to complete their OJT. According to MSSDS, they also expressed concern that unverified allegations had affected the credibility of their batch and could discourage employers from recruiting youth from Meghalaya. The trainees further stated that the complainant had previously been counselled on routine workplace protocols, including adherence to training discipline.
The statement noted that the complainant had enrolled in the Senior Beauty & Spa Therapist course after accepting an offer letter outlining the job role and terms and conditions of employment. The government-sponsored programme covers training, travel, accommodation and provides a monthly stipend of ₹4,000 during the OJT period. MSSDS said all relevant records have been shared with the concerned authorities for independent examination.
MSSDS also outlined its placement framework, stating that empanelled TPPs are required to conduct due diligence on employers. It said candidates undergo counselling and orientation throughout the process—from enrolment and training to pre-departure—to ensure they understand the nature of employment, remuneration and workplace expectations before accepting placements.
The Society emphasised that the Beauty & Wellness sector is a recognised professional industry offering skilled employment and long-term career opportunities. It cautioned that unverified allegations could undermine confidence in government skill development programmes, discourage reputed employers from partnering with Meghalaya and affect employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
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The Government said the matter remains under examination and assured that if any violations by any stakeholder are established through due process, strict action would be taken under the law and applicable contractual provisions.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Government of Meghalaya said it would continue to uphold safe migration, ethical recruitment, transparent placement processes and evidence-based decision-making in the interest of the state’s youth.
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