Directorate of Industrial Training, Department of Technical Education, Training and Skill Development, Government of West Bengal invites Request for Proposal (RFP) for Selection of an Anchor Industry Partner (AIP) for Upgradation of ITI Clusters ITI Hooghly will function as the Hub, with ITI Chuchura, ITI BTC Chemical, ITI Barrackpore and ITI Subhasnagar operating as its Spoke institutions under the PM-SETU in the State of West Bengal under the PM-SETU in the State of West Bengal.
The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, is the apex organization responsible for development, coordination, and regulation of long-term vocational training in the country, including Women’s Vocational Training. DGT oversees the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), which offers training programs ranging from six months to two years, sets policies and standards, develops curricula, manages affiliations and assessments, and conducts National level examinations. Training under CTS is delivered through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), while instructor development is undertaken through National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs). DGT is also entrusted with implementing apprenticeship training in Designated Trades and periodically supports States/UTs in strengthening skilling infrastructure, ensuring a steady supply of trained manpower for industry.
Over the years, ITIs have remained a priority area for the Government of India. Enrolments have grown significantly, new-age courses aligned with industry needs have been introduced, and modernization initiatives have been undertaken. While affiliation and examination policy is determined centrally, administrative and financial control of Government ITIs rests with State/UT Governments.
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.
Sectors covered:
- Mechanical & Manufacturing Technologies (Fitter, Turner, Welder, Machinist, MachinistGrinder);
- Electrical & Electronics Technologies (Electrician, Electronics Mechanic, Wireman);
- Chemical Process Technologies (Attendant Operator Chemical Plant, Laboratory Assistant Chemical Plant, Maintenance Mechanic Chemical Plant);
- Automotive & Mobility Technologies (Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Mechanic Diesel);
- Civil, Design & Surveying Technologies (Draughtsman Civil, Surveyor);
- Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technologies (RACT);
- Renewable Energy Technologies (Solar Technician);
- Drone Technology (Drone Technician);
- Wood & Furniture Technologies (Wood Work Technician).
ITI Included:
- Govt. ITI Hooghly (Hub)
- Govt ITI Chuchura
- Govt. ITI BTC Chemica
- Govt. ITI Barrackpore
- Govt. ITI Subhasnagar
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.
