Sikkim has made history by becoming the first North-Eastern state to receive official recognition from the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India. The milestone was reached through an agreement signed on 6th January 2025, between the State Council of Vocational Training (SCVT) – Sikkim and NCVET, marking a significant advancement in the state’s vocational education sector.

The agreement was formally signed during a ceremony at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi, attended by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, and senior officials from NCVET. The SCVT-Sikkim was represented by Shri Karma Namgyal Bhutia, Secretary of the Skill Development Department, and his team.

This recognition designates SCVT-Sikkim as an Awarding Body (AB-Dual), which empowers the organization to award, assess, and certify learners undergoing training at its own campuses or fully managed training centers. This achievement sets Sikkim apart as a leader in vocational education in the North-East region.

NCVET, as the national regulator for vocational education, plays a crucial role in setting standards, developing regulations, and improving the quality of skill development initiatives across the country. The body is also responsible for accrediting awarding bodies and assessment agencies that help create a skilled and competent workforce.

In addition to the recognition, NCVET has approved the “Traditional Artisan-Lepcha Hat” as a National Occupational Standard (NOS) submitted by SCVT-Sikkim. The SCVT also plans to develop five additional NOSs, including Organic Avocado Grower, Phing (Rice Glass Noodle) Maker, Thanka Painting (Traditional Buddhist Art), and the making of traditional musical instruments – Chyabrung (Limboo community) and Damphu (Tamang community).

Shri Karma Namgyal Bhutia, Secretary of the Skill Development Department, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This recognition will play a pivotal role in strengthening the skill ecosystem in the North-Eastern States and ensure that our workforce is equipped with the specialized skills required for emerging industries.”