Gangtok, June 22 (IPR):
A day-long Industry Outreach Workshop 2026 under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) Scheme, organised by the Skill Development Department, commenced today at a local hotel in Gangtok. MLA-cum-Advisor to the Skill Development and Transport Departments, Mr Madan Cintury, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In his keynote address, Mr Madan Cintury commended the department's efforts to strengthen collaboration between industries and vocational training institutions. He stated that the PM-SETU Scheme is a major initiative aimed at modernising Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and building a skilled and employable workforce. Referring to Government ITI, Rangpo, as the Hub ITI and Government ITIs at Namchi, Gyalshing and Kewzing as the Spoke ITIs, he said the initiative would expand access to quality skill training across the State.
He emphasised that the success of the scheme depends on the active participation of industries and encouraged industry partners to support curriculum development, apprenticeships, internships and placement opportunities so that the youth of the State acquire skills aligned with evolving industry standards. He concluded by stating that investment in skill development would help Sikkim move towards greater self-reliance.
The workshop comprised three technical sessions.
During the inaugural session, Secretary, Skill Development Department, Ms Tashi Cho Cho, described the PM-SETU Scheme as a transformative initiative aimed at upgrading ITIs into industry-driven Centres of Excellence through a Hub-and-Spoke model. She stated that the scheme seeks to place industries at the centre of governance, technology integration, training and employment generation, stressing that the future of skill development cannot be built by the government alone.
Highlighting the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model under PM-SETU, she said it offers industries an opportunity to guide training programmes, modernise infrastructure, introduce emerging technologies, support instructor training and create pathways to apprenticeships and employment.
Ms Cho Cho also underscored Sikkim's potential in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, tourism, hospitality, organic agriculture, food processing, hydropower, construction and services, while stressing the need for a skilled workforce to support future growth. Urging industries to become active partners in the State's skill development ecosystem, she called upon stakeholders to view their engagement under PM-SETU as a mission for inclusive growth, youth empowerment and nation-building.
Deputy Director, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, Mr Divyanshu Jha, delivered a presentation on the national perspective of the PM-SETU Scheme. He provided an overview of the scheme, which aims to upgrade 1,000 ITIs across the country through a Hub-and-Spoke model and skill 20 lakh youth over a five-year period through industry-aligned training.
He highlighted the funding structure of the scheme for North Eastern and Hilly States, under which the Government of India contributes 74.7 per cent, the State Government 8.3 per cent and industry partners 17 per cent. He also elaborated on the industry-led SPV model and its role in strengthening governance, infrastructure development, curriculum alignment, on-the-job training, apprenticeships and employment linkages.
Further, he highlighted the industry partnership model under PM-SETU, which places industries at the centre of planning, governance, training delivery and employment generation. He outlined the operationalisation of SPVs for ITI upgradation, with an ownership structure comprising 51 per cent industry participation, 24.5 per cent support from the Central Government and 24.5 per cent from the State Government.
The presentation also covered the governance framework, key responsibilities and fund-flow mechanisms of SPVs, which will oversee the implementation of PM-SETU projects in collaboration with industry partners and government agencies. He further explained the Hub-and-Spoke cluster approach, wherein Hub ITIs serve as anchor institutions for advanced training, shared facilities and industry partnerships, while Spoke ITIs function as network institutions to expand training delivery and outreach, thereby ensuring quality, scalability and sustainable skill development outcomes.
The inaugural session concluded with views on the PM-SETU Scheme from associated industries, presented by Chairman, ASSOCHAM, Mr Manoj Joshi, and Resource Person from CII, Mr Bhaskar Sharma.
The welcome address and context-setting presentation for the inaugural session was delivered by Special Secretary, Skill Development Department, Mr Samdup Bhutia. He presented an overview of Sikkim's ITI ecosystem and the opportunities available under PM-SETU. His presentation highlighted the State's skill development framework, comprising Niyukti Kendra, the Directorate of Craftsmanship Training Scheme and Employment (DCTS&E), and the State Institute of Capacity Building.
He also outlined the State's PM-SETU journey, which began with the formation of the State Steering Committee on November 5, 2025, following which DCTS&E was designated as the nodal agency. He presented an overview of the State's ITI ecosystem, with Government ITI, Rangpo, serving as the Hub ITI and Government ITIs at Namchi, Gyalshing and Kewzing functioning as Spoke ITIs. He further informed that ITIs at Chumbung in Soreng District and Aritar in Pakyong District are currently under construction and are scheduled for completion during 2026-27.
Mr Bhutia stated that Government ITI, Rangpo, has 340 seats across 14 trades; ITI Namchi has 228 seats across eight trades; ITI Gyalshing has 184 seats across eight trades; and ITI Kewzing has 148 seats across seven trades. Together, the four institutions have a total capacity of 900 seats and offer 27 trades, including 15 engineering and 12 non-engineering trades, with current enrolment standing at 695 trainees.
He also presented an overview of the PM-SETU Scheme at the national level, emphasising the funding pattern for North Eastern and Hilly States, under which the Government of India contributes 74.7 per cent, the State Government 8.3 per cent and industry partners 17 per cent. He further elaborated on the Hub-and-Spoke cluster approach and the SPV model, highlighting the benefits available to industries through participation in the scheme.
Joint Director, Skill Development Department, Mr K.C. Rai, delivered the vote of thanks for the inaugural session.
The second session comprised presentations on the profiles of the Hub and Spoke ITIs of Sikkim by Principal, Government ITI, Rangpo, Mr Chandan Bajgai. Industry perspectives on the PM-SETU Scheme were also shared by Assistant General Manager, RailTel Corporation, and Deputy General Manager (HR), Alkem Health Science, Mr Divakar Upadhyay.
Joint Secretary-cum-CEO, Niyukti Kendra, Skill Development Department, Ms Sushma Pradhan, delivered a presentation on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) and industry placement linkages. This was followed by an open-house discussion among stakeholders and the panel.
Deputy Director, Skill Development Department, Mr Simon Paul Rai, proposed the vote of thanks for the second session.
The workshop concluded with one-on-one meetings between industry representatives and officials regarding the implementation of the PM-SETU Scheme.
Also present during the workshop were Principal Secretary, Education Department, Mr Sandip Tambe; Secretary, Information Technology Department, Mr Bimal Rai; Special Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Ms Choden Gyatso; representatives of various pharmaceutical companies across the State; and other stakeholders.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK