The Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training, Assam, has invited Requests for Proposal (RFP) from prospective industry partners for the comprehensive upgradation of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) within the Guwahati Cluster. This initiative aims to modernise vocational training infrastructure and curriculum in the state’s capital region.
The move is a critical step under the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Scheme for Holistic Upgradation of Industrial Training Institutes (PM-SETU), which seeks to transform ITIs into industry-aligned centres of excellence. The collaboration with industry partners is expected to significantly enhance skill development opportunities for Assamese youth, making them more employable in a rapidly evolving job market.
What was announced
The Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training, Assam, released a Request for Proposal (RFP) around April 15, 2026, inviting Anchor Industry Partners (AIPs) to participate in the upgradation of the Guwahati ITI Cluster. The official notification specifies the selection of an AIP to upgrade, operate, and manage a cluster of ITIs under a Hub-and-Spoke model through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be formed with the state government.
The Guwahati Cluster includes ITI Guwahati, designated as the hub institution, with Nalbari, Morigaon, Guwahati (West), Rangia, and Boko ITIs serving as spoke institutions. The estimated project cost for this specific cluster is a substantial Rs 281 crore, with Rs 81 crore allocated for the hub ITI in Guwahati and Rs 40 crore for each of the five spoke ITIs, according to the RFP details.
Why it matters
This initiative is crucial for bridging the skill gap prevalent among the youth in Assam and aligning vocational training with contemporary industry demands. By upgrading ITIs, the state aims to equip trainees with modern, industry-relevant skills, thereby boosting their employability and fostering entrepreneurship. The engagement of Anchor Industry Partners ensures that the curriculum, infrastructure, and training methodologies are directly informed by industry needs, making graduates job-ready upon completion of their courses.
The state has long grappled with youth unemployment, with the rate standing at 5.9 per cent in January 2016, and rising to 7.6 per cent in December 2020, as per data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). The upgradation of these ITIs, particularly in a key urban centre like Guwahati and its surrounding areas, is expected to create a pipeline of skilled workers for various sectors, contributing to the state’s economic growth and reducing unemployment figures.
Background
The upgradation of ITIs in Assam is part of a broader national and state-level thrust on skill development. The National Scheme for ITI Upgradation, known as PM-SETU, was approved in May 2025, following its announcement in the Union Budget 2024-25. This scheme envisages the transformation of 1,000 Government ITIs across India into state-led, industry-managed skilling institutions under a hub-and-spoke model. Of these, 200 ITIs will function as hubs and 800 as spokes.
The total outlay for the PM-SETU scheme is an estimated ₹60,000 crore over five years, with contributions from the Central Government (₹30,000 crore), State Governments (₹20,000 crore), and industry partners (₹10,000 crore). The scheme is co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank. Assam’s Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training (DECT) is the nodal agency for implementing the PM-SETU scheme in the state.
Assam has been proactively pursuing skill development initiatives. The Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM), registered in 2015 and operational since January 2017, serves as the apex body for all skill initiatives in the state. Its vision is to build the capacity of unemployed youth and deliver quality skill training for meaningful employment. In September 2023, the state launched multiple skill development initiatives, including the establishment of 60 training centres to train 5,750 youth in 59 vocations, alongside a Placement Linked Skill Development Training Program (PLSDTP).
A significant partnership was forged in May 2022 when Tata Technologies signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Government of Assam to transform 34 polytechnics and 43 government ITIs into futuristic Centers of Excellence (CoEs). This 10-year collaboration involved an investment of approximately Rs 2,390 crore. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, at the time, stated that this upgradation would lead to better employment opportunities for local youth and position Assam as a potential investment destination for Industry 4.0 technologies.
Furthermore, the Assam Skill University (ASU), a Rs 1,000 crore project, is expected to be fully functional by 2025, with an aim to upskill 10,000 youth annually in multidisciplinary fields. The ASU co-hosted an Industry Conclave on the National ITI Upgradation Scheme in August 2025, bringing together government leaders, industry experts, and training partners to discuss strengthening Assam’s skilling ecosystem.
The state government also launched a comprehensive vocational education reform initiative in May 2026, focused on improving industry-oriented learning and enhancing job opportunities for students across the state. This reform programme seeks to modernise vocational education in schools by introducing improved assessment systems, industry-linked training modules, and practical skill development courses.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has consistently underscored the importance of skill development, employment, and entrepreneurship in preparing Assam’s youth for global opportunities and building an “Atmanirbhar and prosperous Assam.”
Key details
The Request for Proposal (RFP) seeks an Anchor Industry Partner (AIP) to undertake the upgradation, operation, and management of the Guwahati ITI Cluster. This partnership will be established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, with the AIP forming a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with the government.
The AIP’s responsibilities will encompass various aspects, including planning, co-investment, training design, and placement facilitation. The objective is to ensure that the upgraded ITIs evolve into modern, industry-responsive institutions that consistently deliver high-quality training and improved employment outcomes for trainees. This involves strengthening the linkage between training and industry demand, introducing modern technology, and enhancing employability prospects through connections with employers and apprenticeship pathways.
The project aims to improve modern infrastructure, digital and training facilities, faculty development, and updated curricula within the ITIs. The estimated project cost for the Guwahati Cluster is Rs 281 crore.
What’s next
Following the invitation for proposals, the Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training, Assam, will proceed with the evaluation and selection of a suitable Anchor Industry Partner for the Guwahati ITI Cluster. The chosen partner will then work in conjunction with the state government to form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and commence the phased upgradation of the ITIs. This process is part of the nationwide rollout of the PM-SETU scheme, which aims for a phased implementation over five years.
The successful implementation of this project is expected to lead to significant improvements in vocational training infrastructure and quality, with a focus on preparing Assamese youth for future employment opportunities. Regular monitoring and feedback mechanisms are integral to the PM-SETU scheme to ensure its objectives are met.