The Directorate of Skill Development, Government of Gujarat, has announced a robust interest in its Expression of Interest (EOI) aimed at engaging industries, academic institutions, and training providers. This initiative seeks to empanel partners under the Gujarat Institutes for Advanced Skills (GIAS), a central component of the newly unveiled Namo Gujarat Kaushalya and Rozgar Mission (NGKRM). The response includes participation from over 250 entities that have submitted proposals to be involved in this ambitious skilling programme.

Officials from the Directorate of Skill Development, leading the drive, have indicated that institutions such as L&T, the International Automobile Centre of Excellence (iACE), the Tata Indian Institute of Skills, and Ganpat University are among the prominent participants. This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing the state’s workforce capability and aligns with broader national objectives for skill enhancement.

Focus on Industry-Relevant Skill Development

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently highlighted the critical nature of skill development, emphasising the need for continuous skilling, reskilling, and upskilling to prepare the future workforce. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government aims to equip over 1 lakh youth across the state as part of NGKRM. The initiative is designed to create a demand-driven ecosystem that is led by industry needs, focusing on advanced skill development and employment generation throughout Gujarat.

Labour, Skill Development and Employment Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya elaborated that GIAS will be the primary channel for training delivery, offering short-term vocational courses that align with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) across Levels 1 to 8. This structured approach aims to ensure that training is relevant and meets the requirements of the modern job market.

The initiative will also target twenty priority sectors, including construction, healthcare, IT-ITeS, and logistics, along with twelve emerging technology domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Cybersecurity. This broad focus aims to ensure that training is aligned with current and future industry demands.

Implementation and Support for Trainees

To uphold quality and transparency, training partners must establish technology-driven centres equipped with biometric attendance systems and CCTV surveillance, among other requirements. The NGKRM digital platform will oversee all training activities, ensuring that records of attendance, assessments, certifications, and placements are meticulously managed.

Additionally, a performance-linked payment system has been introduced, through which training providers will receive payments based on the number of trainee enrolments, successful certifications, and placement outcomes. To support trainees financially, each participant will receive ₹500 for every 120 hours of training via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts upon certification completion.

The empanelment process will be open throughout the financial year of 2026-27, allowing eligible organisations to apply online on an ongoing basis. Selected partners will have a three-year empanelment term, with a potential two-year extension based on performance metrics. This structure aims to create a robust training network, ultimately intending to scale up to training five lakh candidates annually in future years.

Aim for a Skilled Workforce and Future Growth

The mission prioritises training for youth, women, SC/ST communities, persons with disabilities, artisans, and other disadvantaged groups. All training will be offered free of charge, and support will be provided through DBT. A unified digital platform will ensure transparency and real-time monitoring of training progress, incorporating mandatory biometric attendance protocols.

Officials assert that NGKRM aims to establish an industry-integrated workforce that meets global standards, enhancing Gujarat’s standing as a premier destination for skilled talent and employment opportunities. The impetus for this programme signifies a strategic approach to developing a capable workforce ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

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