Gangtok, 16 October 2026
Skill Development Department, Government of Sikkim Hosts Industry Consultation on Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employbality Transformation through upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) RFP for Rangpo ITI Cluster. The Department is implementing Component-
I of the PM-SETU Scheme - a flagship Scheme of Government of India - in the State of Sikkim. As part of the scheme, an Anchor Industry Partner (AIP) from the industry side will be selected to modernize, operate and manage the identified Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Cluster through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in partnership with the Government, with the objective of strengthening industry linkages, enhancing training quality, and improving employment outcomes for trainees. Further, the Department has issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) Ref. No. SDD/Sikkim/PM-SETU/2026/RFP-01 dated 2nd September 2026, for selection of an Anchor Industry Partner.
The meeting was chaired by Shri Tushar Nikhare, Secretary, Skill Development Department, and attended by representatives of leading Industries, Public Sector Undertakings along with officials from the Skill Development Department and Government ITIs. During the meeting, Shri Samdup Bhutia, Special Secretary-cum-Director, Skill Development Department, delivered a presentation on the objectives of PM-SETU, the proposed industry-led model, and the key provisions of the RFP. The interaction focused on strengthening industry participation in upgrading the ITI ecosystem, aligning training with emerging workforce requirements, and improving employment, internship, and placement opportunities for local youth. Queries raised by industry representatives were also addressed during the consultation.
Industry partners were requested to share anticipated vacancies, internship opportunities, sector-specific training requirements, and inputs for the skill gap assessment being undertaken under Sikkim INSPIRES. The Department will, in turn, share its database of trained candidates to facilitate recruitment and placement. Pharmaceutical industries were also invited to explore the feasibility of developing the incomplete building at Government ITI Rangpo as a dedicated pharmaceutical training institute.
Representatives from RailTel, Alkem Laboratories, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Sun Pharma, Sikkim Urja Limited, NHPC, Cipla, Torrent Pharmaceuticals, Macleods Pharmaceuticals, Medhavi Skills University and other stakeholders participated in the consultation. The Secretary also invited industry partners to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Government ITI Rangpo, scheduled from 23 to 28 November 2026. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by the Assistant Director, Skill Development Department.
