Assam upskills 344 boat operators under 'Jibondinga Scheme' to boost safer inland waterways

In a major push to enhance safety and professionalism in inland water transport, the Assam Inland Water Transport Development Society (AIWTDS) has successfully concluded a 15-day training and awareness program for engine drivers and helmsmen in Dhubri under its flagship Jibondinga Scheme.

The initiative, held in two batches, aimed to upskill boat operators from across Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, South Salmara-Mankachar, and Dhubri districts. A total of 344 participants—160 in the first batch (June 9–25) and 184 in the second (June 25–July 10)—benefited from this hands-on program conducted under the supervision of the Inland Water Transport (IWT) Department.

The training focused on enhancing navigation skills, safety practices, and technical know-how for operating both marine and non-marine engine boats—with around 1,500 vessels covered under the initiative, including 240 marine engine boats.

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The sessions were led by a team of seasoned professionals, including Palash Jyoti Borah, an ex-Petty Officer of the Indian Navy, Jayanta Gogoi, Training Superintendent, Crew Training Centre, IWT Guwahati, and Ranjit Kumar Dutta, Assistant Training Superintendent. Senior IWT officials also monitored the program's execution.

On successful completion, trainees will be issued official licenses, marking a significant step towards regulating and professionalizing the state’s inland water transport sector—an essential mode of connectivity for many riverine communities in Assam.

The Jibondinga Scheme continues to serve as a crucial initiative in strengthening Assam’s IWT infrastructure, ensuring safer, more skilled operations on the state’s lifeline waterways.