Career Counselling cum Mobilization Session organised under MAYA Initiative at Namchi.
Namchi, 16 July (IPR): A Career Counselling cum Mobilization Session
under the initiative of MAYA District Administrative Centre (DAC) Namchi was conducted today at Namchi District Officers' Club.
The programme was organised by District Administrative Centre (DAC), in collaboration with Skill Development Department, the State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB) and the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY).
The primary objective of the programme was to reach out to school dropout students identified under the Mission for Adolescents & Youth Advancement (MAYA) and connect them with skill development and career opportunities. The initiative aimed to motivate them to enrol in various training courses under MAYA, enabling them to enhance their skills and improve their employability.
DC Namchi, Ms Anupa Tamling, appreciated the Skill Development Department and organising team for conducting the programme, stating that it provides valuable counselling, guidance and career opportunities for youth. She also commended the participants for attending the session and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunities available.
She emphasised that while opportunities would be created and made accessible, it is the responsibility of the youth to seize them. Stating that "Everyone is important and everyone matters," she urged the participants to contribute towards the progress of the State while building a better future for themselves.
Highlighting the importance of determination and hard work, DC Namchi said that parents alone cannot fulfil their children's dreams, every individual must take responsibility for shaping their own future and supporting their families. She encouraged the youth not to let personal or family challenges define their lives but instead to remain focused on improving themselves through education, skill development and perseverance.
She described the programme as the first step towards self-development and encouraged participants to enrol in the various training and open schooling opportunities available. She also appealed to parents to support and motivate their children, stressing that open communication within families is essential to bridge growing gaps in understanding.
Assuring continued support from the Government of Sikkim, the District Administrative Centre and the Skill Development Department, she reminded the participants that while the State Government can provide opportunities, success ultimately depends on individual effort. She advised the youth to progress steadily, one step at a time, rather than rushing the process.
She also highlighted the Child Helpline number 1098, encouraging children and families to seek assistance whenever required and emphasising the importance of ensuring the safety, protection and well-being of every child.
Concluding her address, the DC Namchi urged the participants never to lose hope, to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way and to spread awareness about the various skill development and employment initiatives among others who could benefit. She remarked that when one door closes, another always opens for those who remain determined and willing to move forward.
Addressing the gathering, Joint Secretary, Skill Development Department, Ms Sushma Pradhan, briefed the participants on the Skill Development Department, established in 2015 to provide industry-oriented skill training and employment opportunities through job placement. She informed that the department strengthens skill development in the State by enhancing training quality, ensuring inclusive access, and promoting transparent service delivery.
She added that it functions through the Directorate of Craftsmanship Training Scheme and Employment, the State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB), and the Directorate of Capacity Building, which oversees career counselling, apprenticeships, placements, and employment services.
Also she informed that the State Institute of Capacity Building implements key initiatives, including the Livelihood School, DDU-GKY, PMKVY, Model Career Counselling Centre, SANKALP-I and SANKALP-II.
Highlighting the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI), she stated that in collaboration with SBI Gangtok, the institute provides free residential entrepreneurship and skill development training ranging from 10 to 45 days for unemployed rural youth aged 18 to 50 years, enabling them to establish their own micro-enterprises.
Further she informed that the Niyukti Kendra, launched in 2022 under the Skill Development Department, serves as a single-window employment and career facilitation centre, offering career counselling, job registration, placements, apprenticeships, internships, job fairs and support through schemes such as PMIS, NAPS and NATS.
She also added that the department bridges the gap between job seekers and industries by equipping youth with relevant skills and facilitating employment opportunities.
Moreover, she briefed the participants on the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) stating that they offer one to two-year vocational training courses with placement support for employment. She informed that Sikkim has four functional ITIs located at Namchi, Gyalshing, Kewzing and Rangpo.
Programme Officer, State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB), Mr Anil Sharma, informed that SICB is Sikkim's nodal agency for youth skill development under the Skill Development Department, providing skill training and wage-based employment opportunities for eligible youth.
The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) is a flagship skill development programme that offers free, industry-oriented training to rural youth, helping them acquire job-ready skills. The programme also provides placement assistance, along with support for travel, accommodation, and meals during the training period, enabling candidates to pursue sustainable employment opportunities.
Also he briefed the participants on the newly launched DDU-GKY 2.0, an upgraded, demand-driven and placement-linked skill development programme for rural youth aged 15 to 35 years. He informed that trainees receive fully funded technical training, free uniforms, and post-placement support.
He added that the training duration has been extended from three to six months to promote employment stability while the revised scheme also includes provisions for upskilling and reskilling candidates after 12 months of continuous employment.
Currently, the programme is offering training in Guest Service Associate and Commis. The Guest Service Associate course is a three-month programme for candidates who have passed Class X or above. Conducted at Ranipool Dhakal Gaon, Gangtok, it prepares trainees for front office and guest relations in the hospitality sector and is presently open to female candidates only.
The Commis course, also of three months’ duration, is open to candidates with a minimum qualification of Class VIII. Training is being conducted at the Mellidara Livelihood School in Namchi District and is available to both male and female candidates, equipping them with the skills required for entry-level culinary and kitchen operations.
The department will also introduce new courses, including Guest Service Associate, Deputy Human Resource Manager, and Airport Terminal Operations Executive.
Counseltent, EY-TSA, Skill Development Department, Ms Aakanksha Gupta, highlighted that Sikkim Inspires is a long-term initiative of the State Government supported by the World Bank, aimed at empowering youth through career guidance, counselling, skill development and employment opportunities.
She briefed the participants on the various training programmes offered under the initiative, including Professional Makeup Artist, Homestay Host, Business Intelligence Analyst, Bartender, Digital Marketing and several other industry-oriented courses. She informed that the programme also provides job placement support upon successful completion of training, encouraging the youth to make the most of the opportunities available.
Lastly, she informed that the Mobility Support Services was launched by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day in 2025 to support trained candidates in accessing employment opportunities outside the State.
The programme concluded with an interactive open discussion, following which the participants were divided into groups based on their educational qualifications. Each group then received personalised counselling and guidance on suitable skill development programmes, training opportunities and potential career pathways aligned with their educational background.
More than 30 participants attended the programme. It may be noted that the session was specifically organised to counsel, guide and support school dropout youth identified under the MAYA initiative, helping them take the first step towards education, skill development and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Present during were AD, SICB, Ms Kusum Pradhan, DCPO, Ms Pema Wangmu Bhutia, Protection Officer, Ms Megha Pradhan, Coordinator, Niyukti Kendra, SDD, Ms Choden Bhutia, Project Officer, SICB, Mr Anil Chettri, Protection Officer, SICB, Mr Arun Mukhia, along with members from Skill Development Department, students and guardians.
Report From DIO Namchi