"Every student should be given minimum training in skill-based courses... We need regular courses, no doubt. But skill development is essential to cope with the requirements of market economy and a globalised world," Gogoi said.
He was speaking during the launch of a joint initiative by global education and media major Pearson and the state government to provide vocational training to school students in Assam under the proposed National Vocational Education Qualification Framework (NVEQF) here.
"Education should be aimed at solving social and economic needs of a society and for raising the standard of living of the people. We have started implementation of the NVEQF project before the rest of the country has done so", the chief minister said.
"This time, instead of learning from other states, we expect that the rest of India would follow Assam," Gogoi said.
He called upon the youth to give up disruptive politics and "bandh culture" and instead focus on work to increase the production forces.
"The West adopted such practises decades ago but we missed out. However, now times have changed and we should be at the forefront in enhancing skill-based knowledge to meet demands of a growing economy," Gogoi said.
Under the MoU signed today, Pearson will set up vocational skill centres in 10 selected government schools across the state. Initially, two training streams will be offered in retail and computer hardware and IT.