Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training, Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department
Govt. of Assam invites proposal through this RFP for Selection of an Anchor Industry Partner (AIP) for Upgradation of ITI Cluster Guwahati (ASCL01) under PM-SETU in the State of Assam.
Name of Cluster: Guwahati Cluster (Cluster ID-ASCL01)
Proposed ITIs: ITI Guwahati (Hub), Nalbari (spoke), Morigaon (spoke), Guwahati(W) (spoke), Rangia (spoke) and Boko (Spoke)
Estimated Project Cost for this specific Cluster: Rs. 281 Cr. (Rs. 81 Cr. for hub and Rs. 40 Cr. per spoke.)
Background:
Under Component I of PM-SETU Scheme, ITIs will be developed into aspirational, industry-aligned institutions through improvements in modern infrastructure, digital and training facilities, faculty development, updated curricula, and a governance model led by industry through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). Anchor Industry Partners (AIPs) will play a central role in planning, co-investment, training design, and placement facilitation.
Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training, Assam invites proposals for the selection of an Anchor Industry Partner (“AIP”) to upgrade, operate, and manage a cluster of Industrial Training Institutes (“Cluster”) under a Hub-and-Spoke model through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be formed with the Government.
Objective of the Assignment
The objective of this assignment is to engage a capable, credible and technically competent Anchor Industry Partner (AIP) to support the transformation of the identified ITI Cluster under the PM-SETU through a structured Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
The engagement seeks to establish a long-term, collaborative partnership in which the AIP contributes industry knowledge, technology outlook, and strategic guidance so that the upgraded ITIs evolves into modern, industry-responsive institutions that consistently deliver high-quality training and improved employment outcomes for trainees.
More specifically, the assignment aims to:
- Strengthen the linkage between training and industry demand, ensuring that the ITIs remain relevant to current and emerging labour-market requirements.
- Promote the introduction of modern technology and good industrial practices within training systems, thereby improving quality, safety, and productivity awareness among trainees.
- Enhance employability prospects of trainees by ensuring stronger connections with employers, apprenticeship pathways, and opportunities for real-world exposure.
- Support institutional modernization and better governance, including improved planning, monitoring, and decision-making processes in alignment with scheme guidelines.
- Encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill upgradation, particularly in sectors with growth potential in the region.
- Contribute to long-term sustainability of the upgraded ITIs, by promoting efficient utilization of resources and strengthening the overall capability of the institutions to operate as industry-aligned centres of excellence.
Through this assignment, the Government intends to create a structured PPP framework where the AIP acts as a strategic partner, bringing an industry perspective into planning, management and continuous improvement of training delivery, while ensuring compliance with regulatory norms and the broader objectives of the PM-SETU programme.
Scope of the Assignment:
The Anchor Industry Partner (AIP), acting through the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), shall be responsible for planning, implementation, coordination, and operational management of the identified ITI cluster under the PPP framework.
The AIP is expected to bring strategic leadership, industry knowledge, co-investment, and sustained commitment (minimum five years) to transform ITIs into industry-aligned training centres.
The scope shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Strategic Planning & Governance
- Lead the preparation of a five-year Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for the cluster, detailing infrastructure upgrades, new courses, staffing, and outcomes targets.
- Serve on the SPV Board along with government nominees.
- Participate in SPV sub-committees, including Curriculum, Infrastructure, Placement, etc.
- Align ITI operations with current and emerging industry skill requirements.
- Infrastructure Upgradation
- Design and implement upgradation of classrooms, labs, workshops, hostels, IT networks, and other facilities across Hub and Spoke ITIs.
- Procure, install, and maintain industry-grade equipment, tools, and simulators aligned with sector requirements.
- Advise on sector-specific lab layouts and provide access to industry facilities for practical exposure and internships.
- Curriculum Design & Training
- Co-develop and update curricula in collaboration with DGT and industry experts, ensuring alignment with NSQF and National Occupational Standards.
- Introduce new trades in emerging sectors (e.g. EV, renewable energy, AI/ML, advanced manufacturing, etc.).
- Implement competency-based training, modular courses, blended learning, and workplace-linked training formats.
- Integrate on-the-job training (OJT), apprenticeships, and practical exposure aligned with local job demand.
- Faculty and Staff Development
- Work with existing ITI instructors to enhance their skills through industry immersion, ToT programs, and pedagogy enhancement.
- Recruit additional trainers or subject-matter experts as needed.
- Provide modern teaching aids and continuous professional development support.
- Financial Co-investment & Revenue Models
- Contribute a minimum of 17% of project costs for operational and capital expenses beyond the government share.
- Participate in revenue-generation initiatives, including paid training, consultancy services, shared lab usage, and industry-paid assessments or certifications.
- Operational Management
- Manage day-to-day operations of the Hub-and-Spoke cluster through the SPV, including budgeting, accounting, procurement, asset maintenance, and hiring contractual staff if required.
- Implement efficient administrative processes and ICT systems (student management, learning management, accounting).
- Placement, Industry Linkages & Apprenticeship
- Leverage industry networks to arrange campus placements, apprenticeships, and internships.
- Organize job fairs, industry visits, and employer engagement events.
- Facilitate the establishment of Apprenticeship cells and career counselling support in ITIs.
- Quality, Standards & Monitoring
- Ensure training adherence to NCVET, NSQF, and other regulatory standards.
- Pursue accreditation or quality certifications.
- Implement KPIs and monitoring frameworks (enrolment, pass rates, placements) and submit regular reports to State and Central Governments.
- Innovation & Long-Term Sustainability
- Introduce innovations such as incubators, entrepreneurial cells, online labs, or virtual reality training.
- Plan for the financial sustainability of ITIs beyond the project period through revenue models, alumni networks, and industry sponsorships.
- Anchor Industry Partner (AIP) Role
- Provide strategic vision, investment, and leadership.
- Chair the SPV board and nominate members to the board.
- Commit to a multi-year partnership (minimum 5 years) and help secure additional industry involvement, including technical partnerships.
- Government Support (DGT / State)
- Up to 83% of project expenditure will be borne by the Government.
- Provide policy, administrative, and managerial support, including access to infrastructure and staff.
- Facilitate regulatory approvals, curriculum alignment, and SPV autonomy per scheme guidelines
- Human Resource Deployment and Staffing Model
- The Human Resource deployment for implementation of PM-SETU interventions shall be aligned with the HR models prescribed under the PM-SETU Guidelines. The following staffing models may be adopted for operationalizing the upgraded ITI clusters:
Model 1: Co-existence of Government and SPV-supported Staff;
Model 2: Deputation of Government Staff to the SPV
Model 3: SPV-led Staffing with Minimal Government Staff Involvement
- The Human Resource deployment for implementation of PM-SETU interventions shall be aligned with the HR models prescribed under the PM-SETU Guidelines. The following staffing models may be adopted for operationalizing the upgraded ITI clusters:
Last Date for Submission: 29 May 2026, 3:00 PM IST
Read RFP Details and Application Process, Click Here
