Press Release

Press Release from Press Secretary to the Chief Minister

Information & Public Relations Department

Date: 15-Jul-2025
Niyukti Kendra to Germany Placements: Sikkim’s Skill Revolution under CM Prem Singh Tamang Golay
On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day 2025, which marks the 10th anniversary of its declaration by the United Nations General Assembly, the State of Sikkim proudly reflects on its transformative journey in the domain of youth empowerment and skill development. With this year’s global theme focusing on “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” Sikkim stands as a shining example of a state that has aligned its priorities with the spirit of this day under the progressive, people-centric, and visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay.
Since 2019, the Government of Sikkim has taken an unwavering stand on the belief that the future of the state lies in the hands of its youth. With more than 55% of Sikkim’s population comprising young people, the emphasis on building their skills, enhancing their capabilities, and empowering them to achieve their full potential has become a central pillar of the state's developmental agenda. Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay has continuously reaffirmed his conviction that every young citizen must not only have the right but also the opportunity to be equipped with relevant skills that allow them to meaningfully contribute to the growth of Sikkim and the nation.
Central to this vision is the commendable work of the Skill Development Department, which operates under the direct guidance of the Hon’ble Chief Minister himself as the Minister-in-Charge, has evolved into a powerful engine of change. Through an institutional framework involving the Directorate of Craftsmanship Training Scheme & Employment, the Directorate of Capacity Building, and the State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB), the department has ensured that no section of youth whether in rural areas, from marginalised communities, or in emerging urban spaces is left behind. Its efforts have trained over 13,000 individuals, resulting in more than 9,400 becoming self-employed and over 3,700 placed in regular employment. Initiatives like Livelihood Schools have trained 2,953 candidates against a target of 5,000, with over 1,300 placed in gainful employment. The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) has benefitted 3,842 candidates, achieving more than 60% placement a figure well above national averages.
One of the most visionary and historic interventions in this sector was the launch of the Niyukti Kendra on March 9, 2022, by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay. Envisioned as a centrepiece of the Government’s mission to make Sikkim self-reliant, Niyukti Kendra has emerged as a dynamic hub offering job placements, career counselling, and apprenticeship facilitation under one roof. Niyukti Kendra will now also provide migration support services, offering comprehensive guidance to candidates seeking employment opportunities outside the state or overseas. This includes end-to-end assistance with orientation, documentation, and placement support, ensuring a smooth and informed transition for aspiring job seekers. As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration, this initiative symbolizes freedom through economic empowerment. With its three functional wings: Placement, Tracking, and Grievance cum Redressal, the centre has registered 2,983 candidates and facilitated placements for 1,134 individuals across both public and private sectors. The centre’s partnerships with 138 establishments have created a strong and sustained pipeline of job and apprenticeship opportunities for Sikkim’s youth. Its outreach campaigns in schools, colleges, and ITIs, as well as collaborations with 16 certified training providers, have ensured that even those in remote corners of the state are guided toward opportunity.
In recognition of its exemplary contribution to good governance and youth empowerment, Niyukti Kendra was honoured with the Silver Award for National SKOCH Good Governance and the SKOCH Order of Merit Award for the year 2022, further cementing its status as a flagship achievement of the State Government.
Further strengthening this effort is the establishment of Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Kewzing under Namchi district. Operational since 1st August 2022, the ITI offers six trades- three in engineering and three in non-engineering domains catering to a diverse skill base. It was officially inaugurated by the then Hon’ble Minister of Skill Development Department, Shri Bhim Hang Subba, on 17th February 2023. The institute has quickly become a vital centre for vocational education, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical workforce requirements in the region.
The department’s capacity for innovation and inclusiveness is further exemplified through its performance under the World Bank-supported Sikkim INSPIRES Program, where training-to-employment linkages have been greatly strengthened. In a landmark success, 13 women nurses trained under the program were placed in Germany following specialised language and professional training, an international recognition of Sikkim’s talent and a proud moment for the entire state. These achievements not only elevate individual careers but also stand as proof of what focused government support, strong institutional collaboration, and political will can accomplish.
The department’s collaboration with national programs such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, and the Jal Jeevan Mission has further expanded the state’s footprint in both traditional and modern skills. Candidates have been trained in trades like masonry, tailoring, and basket weaving, as well as in high-tech and green energy sectors. Furthermore, the State Apprenticeship Monitoring Cell has facilitated apprenticeships for over 800 candidates under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS). Job fairs, tech-enabled outreach events, and corporate interface programs such as the CXO Meet have helped bridge the gap between training and actual employment.
Moving forward, the Skill Development Department remains committed to expanding National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) - compliant programs, strengthening career counselling mechanisms, and developing digital platforms to ensure seamless access to opportunities. The launch of a new employment portal is on the horizon, promising transparency, real-time tracking, and greater access to jobs for all Sikkimese youth.
As World Youth Skills Day 2025 is observed across the globe, Sikkim’s story stands out as one of determination, clarity of purpose, and focused leadership. The achievements of the Skill Development Department are not merely administrative successes, they reflect a compassionate and visionary approach to governance. The tireless efforts of the Hon’ble Advisor Shri. Madan Cintury, along with the Secretary of the Skill Development Department and the dedicated team of departmental officials, are highly commendable. Their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment is evident not only in the impressive numbers achieved but also in the quality and depth of interventions made across the skilling landscape of Sikkim. Through their visionary leadership and hands-on approach, the department has ensured that the potential of Sikkimese youth is being nurtured with care, precision, and purpose. From grassroots engagement to state-wide initiatives, their work reflects a genuine dedication to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, enhancing employability, and building a self-reliant, future-ready generation. This coordinated and inclusive approach to skill development has transformed the department into a catalyst for change, driving holistic progress across the state.
Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay, Sikkim has truly embraced the idea that the “youth are not just the future, but the driving force of the present". Their empowerment is not an aspiration but a policy priority- ensured by a government that believes in their potential and is building a system that allows them to prove it.