Rajasthan Sets National Benchmark as First State to Achieve All Green Indicators on Skill Ministry Dashboard
Rajasthan has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first state in India to secure all green indicators on the Union Skill Ministry's comprehensive performance dashboard. This accomplishment positions Rajasthan as a frontrunner in the nationwide implementation of the Prime Minister's SETU Scheme, which focuses on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) based upgradation of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
Minister Rathore Highlights Collaborative Approach
Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who oversees the Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department, emphasized the importance of skill development for youth. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi treats skill as one of the most essential requirements for the youth," Rathore stated during a visit to the capital. "The PM-SETU in PPP mode represents an ideal collaboration between the Centre, states, and industry, with industries handling technical training while financial support comes from both central and state governments."
The minister detailed Rajasthan's proactive approach, which involved extensive consultations with industry stakeholders to tailor tender terms and conditions appropriately. "We are pleased to have met the benchmarks established by the central skills department," Rathore added, highlighting the state's commitment to aligning with national standards while addressing local needs.
Strategic Framework and Implementation Details
Rajasthan's framework for the PM-SETU Scheme incorporates several innovative elements designed to ensure sustainable outcomes:
- 10-year contract structure with scheme funding limited to the initial five years
- Minimum 60% Capital Expenditure (CapEx) requirement to guarantee durable infrastructure development
- Deployment of approximately 80% of CapEx within the first three years of implementation
- Mandatory absorption of at least 10% of trained candidates by Anchor Industry Partners or consortiums
- Simplified bid evaluation process utilizing an 80:20 technical-financial scoring model
- Designation of State Programme Monitoring Unit (SPMU) as the nodal authority for oversight
While preparing the Request for Proposal (RFP) under the PM-SETU Scheme, Rajasthan meticulously aligned its framework with the Government of India's model RFP. The state conducted comprehensive consultations with industry bodies and stakeholders before floating the tender, ensuring broad-based participation and buy-in.
Documentation and Stakeholder Engagement
The State RFP documents for the PM-SETU Scheme were officially issued on February 7 through multiple platforms:
- State Public Procurement Portal
- Directorate of Industrial Training portal
- NIC eProc platform
To facilitate stakeholder understanding and participation, Rajasthan has scheduled a workshop for interested parties on February 16. This session will provide detailed insights into the Rajasthan framework and strategic investment plan requirements. Additionally, a pre-bid meeting is planned for March 4 to address queries from potential bidders, ensuring transparency and clarity throughout the procurement process.
This achievement underscores Rajasthan's commitment to enhancing skill development infrastructure through innovative PPP models, setting a precedent for other states to follow in implementing national skill development initiatives effectively.
