MSDE Invites RFQ For Empanelment of Institutional Partners under PM-SETU Scheme

The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, invites Applications from eligible establishment for empanelment as Institutional Partners for implementation of Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) Scheme. The objective of this Request for Qualification RFQ is to identify and empanel qualified Institutional Partners with demonstrated experience in skill development, institutional management, governance, and industry engagement for implementation of ITI Clusters under the PM-SETU Scheme.

The empanelled Institutional Partners may collaborate with Industries, including industry conglomerates, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), corporate entities, industry associations, and other eligible industry entities, to undertake activities such as preparation and implementation of Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs), establishment and management of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), institutional strengthening, infrastructure modernization, capacity building, and other activities in accordance with the PM-SETU Guidelines.

Objective of Empanelment:

The objective of this RFQ is to identify and empanel eligible establishment having the organisational capability, institutional capacity, financial strength, technical expertise, and commitment to act as Anchor Industry Partners (AIPs) for implementation of approved ITI Clusters under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) Scheme.

The empanelment is intended to create a pool of qualified Institutional Partners for consideration by the Directorate General of Training (DGT) for allocation of ITI Clusters in accordance with the PM-SETU Guidelines and decisions of the Competent Authority.

Scope of Empanelment:

The empanelled Institutional Partner shall be responsible for preparing the SIP in alignment with the collaborative industry partner and local economy and as per the objectives of the PM-SETU Scheme.
The Institutional Partner, with the support of the collaborating Industry partner, shall be responsible for implementation of the approved SIP, governance and management of the SPV, institutional strengthening, infrastructure modernisation, academic and operational reforms, industry linkages, monitoring, reporting, and achievement of project outcomes in accordance with the PM-SETU Guidelines.

Indicative Scope of Work of the Institutional Partner

The Institutional Partner shall broadly undertake the following roles and responsibilities for implementation of the approved ITI Cluster under the PM-SETU Scheme. The scope of work provided below is indicative in nature. The detailed roles, responsibilities, deliverables, governance requirements, performance obligations, and implementation arrangements shall be governed by the approved Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), the Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA), the License Agreement (LA), other applicable project agreements, and the PM-SETU Guidelines, as amended from time to time.

Strategic Planning & Governance
- Prepare, submit, implement, monitor, the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) and Annual Operational Plans (AOPs) in accordance with the PM-SETU Guidelines.
- Provide inputs on institutional development, infrastructure planning, training capacity expansion, staffing requirements, and outcome targets.
- Participate in governance and management arrangements established for implementation of the approved SIP, including representation in relevant committees and working groups, as applicable.
- Support institutional modernization, governance reforms, and compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and guidelines.
Infrastructure Planning and Development
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee modernization of classrooms, laboratories, workshops, hostels, ICT infrastructure, and allied facilities, including support for procurement, installation, commissioning, and contract management through the SPV, in accordance with the approved SIP and PM-SETU Guidelines.
- Advise on equipment specifications, training aids, laboratory design, workshop layouts, and technology requirements.
- Facilitate integration of industry-relevant equipment, tools, simulators, and training technologies.
- Support adoption of accessibility, inclusivity, safety, and environmental sustainability standards.
Academic and Training Management
- Develop, upgrade, and oversee delivery of long-term and short-term training programs aligned with industry requirements and applicable regulatory standards.
- Facilitate introduction of emerging and future-oriented courses, including sectors such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, electric mobility, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and other industry-relevant domains.
- Promote competency-based, outcome-oriented, blended, and technology-enabled learning methodologies.
- Support integration of on-the-job training (OJT), apprenticeships, internships, industry projects, and experiential learning opportunities.
- Design and implement modular, industry-customized courses and special modules in accordance with the flexibility provided under PM-SETU Guideline
Faculty and Capacity Development
- Plan and implement training, upskilling, and capacity-building initiatives for instructors, trainers, and administrative personnel.
- Facilitate industry immersion programs, Training of Trainers (ToT), workshops, certifications, and professional development initiatives.
- Promote adoption of modern pedagogical practices, digital learning tools, and industry best practices.
- Facilitate engagement of subject matter experts and industry professionals, wherever required.
Operational Management
- Establish, operate, and continuously improve systems for academic administration, student management, learning management, asset management, monitoring, financial management, and reporting through the SPV.
- Assist in operational planning and management of training activities assigned under the approved SIP and implementation framework.
- Support deployment of ICT-enabled solutions for institutional management and performance monitoring.
- Manage and oversee implementation of approved operational initiatives through the SPV, in accordance with the approved SIP and PM-SETU Guidelines.
- Ensure proper financial management, utilization, accounting, record maintenance, and reporting of Government funds released to the SPV in accordance with the PM SETU Guidelines, applicable financial rules, and the approved SIP.
- Establish, operate, and maintain digital Management Information Systems (MIS), Student Management Systems, and other digital platforms prescribed under PM SETU for monitoring, reporting, and performance management.
Industry Linkages, Apprenticeship and Placement
- Facilitate partnerships with industry, employers, sector bodies, and training providers.
- Support apprenticeship promotion, internships, industry visits, workplace learning, and employer engagement initiatives.
- Assist in placement facilitation, career counselling, and employment linkage activities for trainees.
- Support organization of job fairs, recruitment drives, employer interactions, and industry outreach programs.
- Develop long-term industry engagement for curriculum development, assessment, certification, apprenticeship, placement and employment generation.
Quality Assurance, Monitoring and Reporting
- Ensure compliance with NCVET, NSQF, DGT, and other applicable quality and regulatory standards.
- Facilitate continuous improvement of training quality, learner outcomes, institutional performance, and employability outcomes.
- Support implementation of monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and documentation systems.
- Assist in collection, analysis, and reporting of performance indicators as prescribed under the approved SIP and PM-SETU Guidelines.
- Monitor and achieve the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), milestones, and outcome targets specified in the approved SIP and PM SETU Guidelines.
Innovation and Sustainability
- Promote innovation, entrepreneurship, incubation, industry-academia collaboration, and technology-enabled learning initiatives.
- Develop and implement sustainable operational models, resource mobilization strategies, and industry participation mechanisms.
- Facilitate adoption of emerging technologies, digital tools, green skills, and future ready training practices.
- Support long-term sustainability initiatives, including alumni engagement, industry partnerships, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Governance, SPV Management and Industry Partnership
- Incorporate, manage, and operate the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for implementation of the approved ITI cluster in accordance with the PM-SETU Guidelines and applicable laws.
- Execute and comply with the Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA), License Agreement (LA), and other agreements required for implementation of the approved SIP.
- Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the SPV and ensure effective governance, financial management, and project implementation.
- Constitute, manage and participate in the SPV Board and its Committees in accordance with the Shareholders’ Agreement and PM-SETU Guidelines.
- Collaborate with Industry Partners/PSUs for provision of the prescribed Industry contribution, technical collaboration, industry participation, apprenticeship opportunities, and sectoral expertise. Coordinate with the Central Government, State Government, Industry Partners, training institutions, employers, and other stakeholders for effective implementation of the approved SIP.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, financial, governance, and reporting requirements applicable to the SPV and the PM-SETU Scheme.
- Facilitate preparation and submission of periodic progress reports, utilization certificates, annual operational plans, and other documents required under the PM SETU Guidelines.
- Develop and implement measures to ensure operational sustainability, industry participation, and long-term institutional strengthening of the ITI cluster beyond the project period.
- Undertake such other activities as may be necessary for successful implementation of the approved SIP and achievement of the objectives of the PM-SETU Scheme.