Niyukti Kendra to Germany placements: CM Prem Singh Tamang leads Sikkim’s skill development revolution

On the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day, Sikkim celebrated not just the global occasion but also its own remarkable journey in youth empowerment. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), the state has quietly built one of India’s most effective and inclusive skill development ecosystems connecting training, employment, and empowerment under a single unified vision.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” resonates closely with Sikkim’s ongoing initiatives that focus on preparing its youth for the demands of a changing world. Over 55% of Sikkim’s population is under the age of 35, making youth-centric policies more than just a priority they are the foundation of the state’s future.

Since 2019, the Government of Sikkim has placed consistent focus on equipping young citizens with relevant skills to make them self-reliant and employment-ready. CM Tamang has been clear in his belief: “Our youth are not just the future they are the driving force of the present.” This belief has guided Sikkim’s development efforts and brought real change on the ground.

At the heart of this transformation is the Skill Development Department, directly overseen by CM Tamang in his role as Minister-in-Charge. Working through key institutions like the Directorate of Capacity Building, Craftsmanship Training Scheme & Employment, and State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB), the department has trained over 13,000 young individuals, of whom 9,400 became self-employed and 3,700 secured formal jobs.

The Livelihood Schools, a flagship project, trained 2,953 youth so far, with more than 1,300 finding gainful employment. Under the central government’s DDU-GKY program, over 3,800 youth were trained, achieving a placement rate of more than 60%, which is significantly above the national average.

A landmark achievement in this journey was the launch of Niyukti Kendra on March 9, 2022, by CM Tamang. This one-stop centre offers job placement services, career counselling, apprenticeships, and even migration support for youth seeking opportunities outside the state or abroad. Since its inception, the centre has registered 2,983 candidates and helped 1,134 youth secure placements across both government and private sectors. It currently partners with 138 establishments, strengthening job pipelines for Sikkim’s youth.

The Niyukti Kendra’s strong performance earned it national recognition, including the Silver Award for National SKOCH Good Governance and the SKOCH Order of Merit Award 2022. These honours reflect its critical role in bridging the gap between education and employment.

Taking the effort further, the Government ITI in Kewzing, launched in 2022 under Namchi district, offers six trades across engineering and non-engineering fields. It was inaugurated by then Skill Development Minister Shri Bhim Hang Subba and is helping local youth acquire practical and market-ready vocational skills.

Another milestone is Sikkim’s performance under the World Bank-supported Sikkim INSPIRES Program, which connects skill training directly with employment. One standout success is the placement of 13 women nurses to Germany, made possible through specialised training in language and healthcare skills. This achievement is not just personal for the beneficiaries—it is a proud moment for the entire state.

The department is also successfully implementing national programs such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), PM Vishwakarma Yojana, and the Jal Jeevan Mission, offering training in traditional and modern trades like tailoring, basket weaving, masonry, and even green energy. In addition, over 800 youth have received apprenticeship opportunities through NAPS and NATS, enhancing on-the-job learning.

Job fairs and events like CXO Meets, tech-enabled outreach campaigns, and partnerships with 16 certified training providers have further extended opportunities to youth across both urban and rural Sikkim. The department has also organized 14 job fairs and 12 major career counselling events, building awareness and pathways for employment.

Looking ahead, the government plans to launch a dedicated digital employment portal to provide real-time job tracking, greater access to opportunities, and seamless services to job-seeking youth. This portal will mark a new phase in transparency and accessibility in public employment services.

The credit for this coordinated effort goes not only to CM Tamang’s leadership but also to his dedicated team, especially Advisor Shri Madan Cintury, the Secretary of the Skill Development Department, and the entire staff who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Their work reflects genuine compassion and a deep commitment to ensuring that no youth in Sikkim is left behind.

In a time when many parts of the country still struggle with youth unemployment, Sikkim has set an example of how political will, proper planning, and timely execution can create real and lasting impact.

As the world observes World Youth Skills Day 2025, Sikkim’s success story is not just one of numbers, schemes, and placements—it is a story of belief. A belief that every young person, when given the right tools, can build not just a better life for themselves, but a better future for their community and their state.

Key highlights of Sikkim’s skill development journey:

• 13,000+ youth trained through flagship programs

• 9,400+ self-employed; 3,700+ in formal employment

• Niyukti Kendra placed 1,134 youth; partnered with 138 companies

• ITI Kewzing operational with 6 trades since August 2022

• 13 women nurses placed in Germany under INSPIRES

• Over 800 apprenticeships under NAPS and NATS

• National recognitions like SKOCH Good Governance Awards

• Upcoming employment portal for digital access to job opportunities

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This is Sikkim’s skill story. And under CM Tamang’s leadership, it’s just getting started.