What was announced
The Assam Skill Development Mission, operating under the Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department of the Government of Assam, has formally invited bids through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal for the implementation of a Gorkha Youth Training Programme. The tender, identified as a GeM Bid for Gorkha Youth Training Programme, carries an estimated value of ₹1 Crore. Interested training providers must submit their proposals by the deadline of August 27, 2026. This announcement is part of the mission’s ongoing efforts to address skill gaps and promote employment opportunities for the state’s youth.Why it matters
This training programme is significant as it specifically targets the Gorkha youth, a community that has historically sought greater integration and development opportunities within Assam. By providing specialised skill training, the Assam Skill Development Mission aims to bridge the gap between their aspirations and available employment avenues. Such initiatives are crucial for the socio-economic upliftment of the community, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the state’s economy. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has consistently emphasised the importance of skill development in preparing young people for jobs and supporting Assam’s long-term growth. The programme aligns with the government’s vision of creating a skilled workforce ready for an evolving global economy.Background
The Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM) was registered in 2015 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and commenced operations in January 2017. It functions as the apex body for all skill development initiatives in Assam, with a mandate to enhance employability and promote entrepreneurship among the state’s youth. The mission aims to skill 1.50 lakh youths annually and provides quality skill training for gainful employment. The Assam government, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has placed a strong emphasis on skill development as a cornerstone of its youth empowerment strategy. On World Youth Skills Day, July 15, 2026, Chief Minister Sarma reiterated the state’s commitment to strengthening the skill development ecosystem through various initiatives, including skill education in over 1,700 schools, industry-linked training, and institutions like Assam Skill University. He has also stressed the need for youth to embrace skill-driven education beyond conventional degrees to meet industry requirements, particularly in sectors like tourism and hospitality. For the Gorkha community, the Assam government has undertaken several measures to address their long-standing concerns and ensure their welfare. In April 2023, Chief Minister Sarma stated that Gorkhas were an integral part of Assam’s demography and announced initiatives for their socio-economic empowerment, including the authority for the Assam Gorkha Sammelan to issue Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificates. The Gorkha Development Council has also launched skill development programmes specifically for young Gorkha women, focusing on practical skills and job opportunities. These efforts reflect a broader policy to support the Gorkha community, which has a historical presence in Assam dating back to the late 18th century, with significant contributions to the state’s history and economy.Key details
The tender for the Gorkha Youth Training Programme is a GeM bid, indicating that the procurement process will be conducted through the Government e-Marketplace. The total estimated value for the programme is ₹1 Crore. Prospective training agencies are required to submit their bids by the closing date of August 27, 2026. Further specifics regarding the scope of work, eligibility criteria for training providers, and the detailed terms and conditions are available in the official tender document published on the skillcouncils.in portal. The programme is designed to offer short-term skill development training, aligning with the ASDM’s objective of responding to specific skill gaps in the state.What’s next
Following the closure of the tender on August 27, 2026, the Assam Skill Development Mission will proceed with the evaluation of bids received from various training providers. The selection process will likely involve technical and financial assessments to identify the most suitable agency for implementing the Gorkha Youth Training Programme. Once a training partner is empanelled, the programme’s implementation phase will commence, focusing on delivering the skill development courses to the targeted beneficiaries among the Gorkha youth. This will be a crucial step towards realising the government’s objective of enhancing employability and fostering entrepreneurship within the community.Sources & References
Source: Assam Skill Development Tender 2026: ₹1 Crore GeM Bid for Gorkha Youth Training Programme