Shillong, July 06: The Directorate of Employment & Craftsmen Training (DECT), Department of Labour, Employment & Skill Development, Government of Meghalaya, today successfully organized an Industry Awareness & Outreach Programme under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) at the State Convention Centre, Shillong.
The programme brought together a diverse cross-section of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, the Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (RDSDE).
The State Government departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), industry associations, large industries, MSMEs, local enterprises, start-ups, entrepreneurs, training providers and industry representatives from within and outside Meghalaya.
The enthusiastic participation and constructive deliberations reflected the growing interest of industry in partnering with the Government to strengthen the State’s technical and vocational education ecosystem.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Frederick R. Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development, emphasized that the future of skill development lies in forging stronger partnerships between Government and industry.
He highlighted the need to bridge the gap between industrial requirements and the competencies of ITI graduates by ensuring that industries play a more active role in curriculum development, apprenticeships, on-the-job training and employment pathways.
He noted that the transformation of ITIs into industry-responsive institutions is essential for creating a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the economy.
Addressing the gathering, Smti Richa Kulkarni, IAS, Director of Employment & Craftsmen Training, underscored that the outreach programme marked an important first step towards building a robust industry partnership ecosystem under PM-SETU in Meghalaya.
She stated that the Directorate is committed to laying a strong foundation for sustained collaboration with industries, recognizing that meaningful partnerships will be central to transforming Government ITIs into modern, industry-led centres of excellence that produce skilled, employable and future-ready youth.
The programme also featured presentations on Meghalaya’s existing ITI ecosystem, the vision and framework of PM-SETU, opportunities for industry participation, and the proposed pathway towards establishing industry-led governance through Anchor Industry Partners.
Industry representatives actively participated in the discussions, sharing valuable perspectives, practical experiences and suggestions on strengthening industry engagement, apprenticeships, curriculum relevance and workforce development.
The outreach programme concluded on a positive note, laying a strong foundation for future collaboration between Government and industry as Meghalaya prepares for the implementation of PM-SETU.
The deliberations reinforced a shared commitment towards transforming the State’s Industrial Training Institutes into centres of excellence that are responsive to industry needs and aligned with national priorities.
Through PM-SETU, the Government of Meghalaya envisions an industry-led skill development ecosystem that not only modernises technical education but also enhances employability, promotes apprenticeships, encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, and equips the youth of Meghalaya with the skills required to participate meaningfully in the State’s growing industrial and economic landscape.
