Rajasthan Accelerates Ahead in National PM-SETU Skill Development Initiative
While numerous states across India are still navigating the initial phases of the Prime Minister's SETU scheme, Rajasthan has decisively surged into a position of leadership. The state has distinguished itself as one of the foremost performers in executing the PM-SETU program, a central government initiative dedicated to modernizing Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) through innovative public-private partnerships (PPP).
Achieving Excellence with All-Green Dashboard Status
Rajasthan currently holds the unique distinction of being the first state in the country to attain all "green" indicators on the Union Skill Ministry's official performance dashboard. This prestigious status is a clear signal of the state's exceptional timely planning and robust execution capabilities. The green indicators comprehensively reflect successful adherence to schedules, quality benchmarks, and procedural milestones set by the central authorities.
Strategic Policy Framework Paving the Way
The foundation for this remarkable achievement was laid through deliberate state-level policy actions. The Rajasthan government has unequivocally prioritized skill development as a critical area for economic growth. The formulation and notification of the Skills Policy in 2025, followed by the rollout of the Employment Policy in January 2026, created a coherent and actionable roadmap. These policies are specifically designed to intricately link vocational training programs with the dynamic needs of various industries and to ensure tangible employment outcomes for trainees.
Swift and Structured Implementation Post-Guidelines
Following the issuance of the central PM-SETU guidelines in September 2025, Rajasthan's administrative machinery sprang into action without delay. The state's Department of Skill, Employment, and Entrepreneurship spearheaded a meticulous exercise to identify optimal ITI clusters for comprehensive upgradation. This process was characterized by:
- Strict alignment with central norms and specifications.
- Adherence to rigorous, pre-defined timelines.
- A steadfast focus on measurable and verifiable outcomes.
State officials emphasized that this methodical approach directly mirrors Prime Minister Narendra Modi's consistent emphasis on outcome-driven and industry-linked skilling models.
Robust Project Framework and Industry Integration
The state also demonstrated agility in developing a solid project framework. While drafting the crucial Request for Proposal (RFP), Rajasthan adeptly adopted the Centre's model document and further refined it through extensive consultations with industry leaders and other key stakeholders. The finalized framework incorporates several forward-thinking provisions:
- A contract period spanning 10 years, with government funding concentrated in the initial five years.
- A mandate that at least 60% of the total project cost be allocated for capital expenditure, with approximately 80% of this investment scheduled within the first three years to ensure durable and modern infrastructure.
- A requirement for anchor industry partners to commit to absorbing a minimum of 10% of the trained candidates, thereby strengthening the crucial link between training and actual job placement.
Comprehensive Safeguards and Transparent Processes
The project framework is further fortified by additional strategic provisions designed to ensure long-term success and accountability. These include:
- Clear, outcome-based performance indicators for all partners.
- Robust systems for enrolment verification and checks.
- Safeguard clauses to manage potential policy changes.
- A simplified bid evaluation system utilizing an 80:20 technical-financial scoring model to prioritize quality and capability.
The State Programme Monitoring Unit has been officially designated as the nodal authority to oversee all aspects of implementation and coordination.
Timeline of Key Activities and Future Steps
The RFP documents were formally issued on February 7, 2026, and promptly uploaded on all relevant official procurement and training portals. The state has scheduled a comprehensive stakeholder workshop for February 16, 2026, which will be followed by a pre-bid meeting slated for March 4, 2026. These steps are critical for clarifying project details and addressing queries from potential private partners.
According to state officials, Rajasthan's proactive stance—characterized by early planning, strategic policy formulation, and close, continuous engagement with the industrial sector—has been the decisive factor in propelling the state ahead of many peers in the nationwide rollout of the transformative PM-SETU scheme.
