Gangtok: On the significant occasion of the 10th World Youth Skills Day, Sikkim proudly showcased its remarkable strides in youth empowerment, a testament to the unwavering vision and dedicated efforts of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
With over 55% of the state’s populace under the age of 35, the government has meticulously cultivated a robust and all-encompassing skill development ecosystem, seamlessly interweaving training, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial avenues for its vibrant youth.
This year’s global theme, “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” resonated deeply with Sikkim’s forward-thinking approach. Since assuming office in 2019, Chief Minister Tamang has placed youth empowerment at the forefront of his agenda, directly overseeing the crucial Skill Development Department. Through instrumental institutions like the State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB) and the Directorate of Capacity Building, a staggering 13,000-plus young individuals have received comprehensive training. Of these, an impressive 9,400 have successfully embarked on self-employment ventures, while 3,700 have secured formal employment, demonstrating the tangible impact of these initiatives.
Flagship projects such as the Livelihood Schools have been particularly impactful, having trained nearly 3,000 young individuals, with over 1,300 of them successfully securing placements. Furthermore, under the central DDU-GKY scheme, over 3,800 youth were trained, achieving a commendable placement rate exceeding 60 per cent, which stands notably above the national average.
A landmark initiative, the Niyukti Kendra, launched on March 9, 2022, has become a cornerstone of youth support. This centre provides crucial placement assistance, comprehensive career counselling, apprenticeship opportunities, and vital migration support. To date, it has successfully registered 2,983 candidates and facilitated 1,134 placements through strategic partnerships with 138 employers. The Niyukti Kendra’s exemplary performance has garnered national acclaim, including the prestigious SKOCH Good Governance Silver Award and the Order of Merit in 2022.
Adding to its infrastructural development, the state inaugurated ITI Kewzing in Namchi in 2022, which offers six diverse trades to aspiring youth. In a pioneering move under the INSPIRES Program, supported by the World Bank, 13 Sikkimese women nurses achieved international placements in Germany, following rigorous specialized healthcare and language training, highlighting the state’s commitment to global opportunities.
Beyond state-specific programmes, the Skill Development Department has actively leveraged national schemes like PMKVY, PM Vishwakarma, and the Jal Jeevan Mission, extending training opportunities in both modern and traditional trades. Over 800 youth have also successfully secured apprenticeships through the NAPS and NATS programmes. To further connect job-seekers with opportunities, 14 job fairs and 12 career counselling sessions have been meticulously organised across the length and breadth of the state.
In a move set to further streamline employment processes, the government is actively developing a cutting-edge digital employment portal, which promises real-time job tracking and enhanced accessibility for all job-seekers. The visionary leadership of Chief Minister Tamang, combined with the dedicated efforts of Advisor Shri Madan Cintury and the entire departmental team, has been instrumental in ensuring that no youth in Sikkim feels left behind. Sikkim’s remarkable journey in youth empowerment is more than just a series of schemes; it is a profound testament to a deeply held belief – a belief that empowered youth are the architects of a brighter future for their state, their families, and indeed, the entire nation.
Read More: Manipur Cracks Down: Six Arrested in State-Wide Anti-Insurgency Blitz