RFP Invited From Industry Partners for ITI Upgradation In Punjab

Department of Technical Education & Industrial Training, Punjab, Sector 36, Chandigarh invites proposals for the selection of an Anchor Industry Partner to upgrade, operate, and manage a cluster of Industrial Training Institutes under a Hub and-Spoke model through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be formed with the Government, invites Request for Proposal RFP for Selection of an Anchor Industry Partner (AIP) for Upgradation of ITI Clusters having one Hub ITI and 04 Spoke ITIs under the PM-SETU in the State of Punjab.

ITIs included

Hub ITI – Govt ITI Hoshiarpur
Spoke ITI (1) – Govt ITI Gurdaspur
Spoke ITI (2) – ITI Nawanshahar
Spoke ITI (3) – Govt ITI Pathankot
Spoke ITI (4) – Govt ITI Ranjit Avenue Amritsar

Estimated project cost

Estimated Project Cost for this specific Cluster will not be more than Rs 241 Crore

Bid security

The amount of Bid security shall be Rs 01 Crores in the form of any one of the following:

The bidders will have to deposit Earnest Money / Bid Security (Refundable) in electronic format online (Bank Guarantee/NEFT/RTGS/Internet Banking or any other online mode available on e-Procurement Portal). Other mode of payment will not be considered.

The EMD shall be submitted in favor of the Authority: Director Technical Education & Industrial Training Punjab

Eligibility criteria

Industry Partners (credible companies or manufacturers with established operations in India), including Public Sector Undertakings
OR
Industry associations or Consortia
OR
Industry-led foundations (CSR/philanthropy arms of corporates)
OR
Academic institutions promoted/operated by industry (e.g., corporate universities, sectoral skilling institutions)
The Bidder must have a valid PAN and, where required under applicable GST laws, a valid and active GSTIN.
The Bidder or its parent/promoting organization shall have a minimum of 10 years of experience in any sector as on the Bid submission date
The Bidder must not be under blacklist or debarred by any government department, public sector undertaking, or multilateral agency and must not be involved in fraud, financial embezzlement, money laundering, wilful default, insolvency, material contract termination for default as on the date.
The Bidder shall have an average annual turnover of not less than INR Rs 500 Crore during the last three (3) completed financial years ending 31 March 2025.
The Bidder shall have a positive net worth for the last three (3) consecutive financial years, i.e., FY 2022-23, FY 2023-24, and FY 2024-25, as evidenced by audited financial statements.
The Bidder shall have at least 300 employees on its payroll as on the Bid Due Date.

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.