RFP for Upgradation of ITIs in Sundaragada Cluster in Odisha under PM SETU Scheme

DTE&T under the administrative control of Skill Development & Technical Education Department, Government of Odisha (the Client) invites both Technical & Financial proposals from the world’s leading OEM companies or their authorised channel partners through e-tender process for “Request for Proposal for Selection of Anchor Industry Partners (AIPs) for Implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) Scheme for Sundaragada Cluster in disha” on Turnkey Basis.

The Government of Odisha intends to upgrade the ITIs in the following cluster under the PM SETU Scheme for the second pilot phase:

Hub: ITI Rourkela

Spoke:

Govt. ITI Kutra
Govt. ITI Kuchinda
Govt. ITI Rairakhole

Focus sectors:

Capital Goods & Advanced Manufacturing
Electronics & Hardware
Power & Renewable Energy

Key Responsibilities of the Anchor Industry Partner (AIP) and SPV:

Strategic Planning & Governance: Lead the preparation of a five-year Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for the cluster however post selection an application may be moved to state steering committee (SSC) For extension, detailing infrastructure upgrades, new courses, staffing and outcomes targets. Serve on the SPV Board along with government nominees. Participate in governance committees (Curriculum, Infrastructure, Placement, etc.).
Infrastructure Upgradation: Design and implement the upgradation of physical infrastructure (classrooms, labs, workshops, hostels, IT networks, etc.) at the Hub and Spoke ITIs. Procure and install modern equipment, tools and simulators aligned to industry needs in focus sectors.
Curriculum Design & Training: Collaborate with DGT and industry experts to co-develop and update curricula, ensuring alignment with NSQF and National Occupational Standards. Introduce new trades in emerging sectors (e.g. EV, renewable energy, AI/ML, advanced manufacturing). Implement competency-based training methodologies, modular courses, and blended learning (classroom + hands-on). Facilitate industry internships and on-the-job training for trainees.
Faculty and Staff Development: Work with existing ITI instructors to enhance their skills (through industry immersion, training-of-trainers programs, etc.). Recruit additional trainers or subject-matter experts as needed, potentially from industry. Support faculty with pedagogical training and modern teaching aids.
Financial Co-investment: Provide co-funding as required under the scheme (minimum 17% of project cost, for operational and capital expenses beyond government share). Participate in revenue-generation initiatives (e.g. paid short courses, testing/consultancy services, usage fees for training facilities).
Operational Management: Take responsibility (through the SPV) for day-to-day management and operations of the Hub-and-Spoke cluster. This includes managing finances (budgeting, accounts), procurement, maintenance of assets, and hiring contractual staff if needed (while DGT/state continue funding government staff salaries). Implement efficient processes and ICT systems for administration (e.g. student management, accounting, learning management systems).
Placement and Industry Linkages: Leverage industry networks to arrange campus placements, apprenticeships and internships for ITI graduates. Organize job fairs, industry visits and employer engagement events. Facilitate the setting up of an Apprenticeship cell and career counselling in the ITIs.
Quality and Standards: Ensure training adheres to regulatory standards (NCVET, NSQF). Pursue accreditation or quality certifications for the ITIs. Implement an ongoing monitoring and evaluation framework with KPIs (enrolment rates, pass rates, placement percentages, etc.) as per guidelines. Report regularly to the State and Central Governments.
Innovation and Long-term Sustainability: Introduce innovations such as incubators or entrepreneurial cells for trainees. Explore new education delivery models (e.g. online labs, virtual reality training). Plan for financial sustainability of the ITIs beyond the project period (through new income streams, alumni networks, industry sponsorships, etc.).

Anchor Industry Partner (AIP) Role:

The AIP provides strategic vision, investment, and leadership. It is expected to have significant industry expertise in the cluster’s focus sectors. The AIP will chair the SPV board and nominate members to the board. It will commit resources (funding and expertise) as per the SIP and shareholders’ agreement. The AIP is expected to commit to a multi-year partnership (minimum 5 years) and help secure additional industry involvement, possibly including global technical partnerships.

Scope of work

Selected partners are expected to bring strategic leadership, co-investment, technical know-how and long-term commitment (5 years) toward upgrading ITIs for vocational education. The responsibilities and activities expected from the Anchor Industry Partner include, but are not limited to:

Governance and Strategic Leadership
- Participation as a member of the SPV.
- Prepare the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), including HR structure and training roadmap, infrastructure development blueprint, and annual work plans.
- Serve on sub-committees (e.g., Curriculum, Infrastructure, Placement) as required.
Financial Contribution and Revenue Models
- Contribution of a minimum of 17% of the total cost for the upgradation of Hub and-Spoke ITI cluster.
- Contribution towards training programs, innovation labs or incubation centres.
- Participation in revenue generation models, including:
  - Paid training and consulting services
  - Use of shared infrastructure/labs for upskilling
  - Industry-paid assessment, certifications, or micro-credentials
Co-Design and Delivery of Training
- Co-develop long-term and short-term training programs based on:
  - Industry-aligned curriculum
  - NSQF/QP-NOS frameworks
  - Modular, blended and job-linked formats
- Integrate on-the-job training (OJT), apprenticeships alignment with local demand for jobs.
Infrastructure Design and Lab Setup
- Advise and execute in developing:
  - Sector-specific labs, tools, simulators, digital classrooms
  - Workshop design and layout plans
  - Lab upgradation roadmap
- Provide access to industry training facilities for practical exposure, assessment, and internships.
Human Resource and Faculty Development
- Collaborate with DGT and NSTI to design and deliver Training of Trainers (ToT) programs (pre-service and in-service)
  - Faculty immersion/sabbatical in industry
  - Pedagogy enhancement sessions
Employment, Placement, and Incubation Support
- Facilitate in Employment and Placement through:
  - Job placements for ITIs graduates
  - Internships and apprenticeships with participating companies
Outreach and Branding
- Inclusive design- Open and accessible to all demographics, including women, rural youth, PwDs and underserved groups.
- Co-create branding and outreach strategies for the ITIs , including:
  - Participation in skill fairs and summits
  - Job/Placement Fairs,
  - Employer and youth engagement campaigns
  - Branding of labs or training programmes
Institutional Sustainability and Long-Term Engagement
- Commit to multi-year partnership (minimum 5 years) with annual review mechanisms.
- Participate in resource mobilization, capacity building and long-term planning for sustainability of the model