Career Counselling & Job Fair 2025 showcases government’s vision for skilled and self-reliant youth

GANGTOK, (IPR): The Career Counselling cum Job Fair 2025, themed ‘Empowering Vocationalization of Education’, was organised by Samagra Shiksha, Education department, in collaboration with Sibin Learning Cart Pvt. Ltd. at Manan Kendra, Gangtok today.

The event aimed to guide students in exploring diverse career pathways, promote skill development, and connect them with institutions and employers offering educational and professional opportunities.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay described the Career Counselling cum Job Fair 2025 as a significant initiative for Sikkim’s students, adding that one of the greatest questions young people face today concerns their future career prospects.

He congratulated the Education department and Sibin Learning Cart Pvt. Ltd. for organising such a meaningful event to prepare students for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

He reflected that student life is often considered the golden phase of life, but urged the youth to ensure that this golden period extends into their future by setting clear goals and pursuing them with determination. He remarked that a student who perseveres with a focused mindset never has cause for regret.

Recalling his own career journey prior to entering public life, the Chief Minister observed that the world has transformed tremendously over the years and that competition has become increasingly intense in the 21st century. He encouraged students to be ready to face any challenge and to make full use of the avenues being created by the government.

Speaking on the current employment landscape, he pointed out that government jobs in the State have reached near saturation and that dependency on government employment must gradually decrease. He stated that the government has been consistently working to create diverse employment avenues beyond the white-collar sector.

The youth, he emphasised, must aspire not only to become employees but also employers, contributing to society through innovation and enterprise.

In this regard, he underlined the importance of skill development and vocational training, stating that the government has integrated skill-based learning from the school level onwards. From technical education to life skills, the State is preparing students to become capable, confident, and self-reliant citizens, he added.

The Chief Minister went on to highlight several government initiatives aimed at supporting education and youth empowerment. He mentioned the Chief Minister’s Mentorship Programme, which provides coaching and mentorship to Classes 10 and 12 students for their board examinations.

He also spoke about Aspire Sikkim, a free coaching initiative designed to prepare students for competitive examinations such as UPSC, NDA and CA (Chartered Accountancy), while nurturing leadership qualities and a spirit of nation-building.

In addition, he referred to the CM’s Mission Lakshya Centre of Excellence, a joint initiative of the Government of Sikkim and Q&I by Thomson Digital, offering NEET and JEE coaching in government schools.

The Chief Minister informed that this pilot project, currently underway, will be expanded to all districts if it proves successful.

He also touched upon the growing relevance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the modern world, stating that rather than fearing that AI might replace human work, individuals must learn to adapt and harness it as a tool to enhance creativity, empathy and human potential. He emphasised that technology should complement human intelligence and values, not replace them, and that the true progress lies in using AI to build a more connected, compassionate, and inclusive society.

The Chief Minister informed that the state government is formulating an AI policy with a particular focus on empowering youth and entrepreneurs to harness technology for innovation, productivity, and employment generation.

He congratulated two young entrepreneurs from Sikkim, Diwash Kapil Chettri and Sulabh Raj Gurung, who have founded the State’s first AI-based technology company, Apuphi Private Limited, which is developing a next-generation career ecosystem. He lauded their entrepreneurial spirit and innovation as a source of inspiration for other young minds in the state.

He further spoke about the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence being constructed at Chakung in Soreng district, describing it as a forthcoming world-class centre for higher learning, innovation, and intellectual growth.

The institution, he said, will not only provide quality education but also open new employment avenues and stimulate local economic activity.

The Chief Minister stated that the government has transformed Sikkim’s educational ecosystem with the vision of producing not just degree holders but skilled and competent individuals capable of thriving in a competitive world. He shared that the government aims to establish universities in every constituency, thereby expanding access to higher education across the State.

He also called upon the universities to ensure that they function within their allotted constituencies and maintain academic integrity by conducting only offline examinations.

Additionally, the Chief Minister informed that the government is working towards forming a Foreign Employment Recruitment Board, which will facilitate overseas employment opportunities for Sikkimese youth at a nominal cost. The initiative also aims to protect citizens from fraudulent recruitment practices and ensure safe, verified employment placements abroad.

Highlighting the importance of technical training, he mentioned that ITI courses and certifications for trades such as linemen and plumbers are crucial for equipping the youth with employable skills. He reiterated that while the government is committed to creating new avenues and opportunities, it is ultimately up to the youth to seize them with diligence and initiative.

In his address, Minister for Education and Sports and Youth Affairs, Raju Basnet, highlighted the wide-ranging initiatives undertaken by the state government under the dynamic leadership of the Chief Minister in the fields of education and sports, both of which are key pillars of youth empowerment.

He stated that the government has been taking consistent steps to strengthen the education system at every level, from foundational learning to higher and technical education, while also nurturing sporting talent through dedicated policies, infrastructure, and training opportunities.

He acknowledged that a significant challenge among students has been the fear and hesitation towards Mathematics and Science, subjects that are crucial for technological advancement and competitive success.

To address this, he informed that the government is implementing multiple interventions aimed at making these subjects more engaging and approachable for students. These initiatives begin from the early learning stage and continue through middle school and higher education, ensuring that students build confidence and curiosity in these disciplines over time.

Speaking on future initiatives, the Minister remarked that the government’s ongoing efforts to establish universities across constituencies will bring about transformative change in the State’s academic landscape.

The expansion of higher education institutions, he stated, will not only enhance accessibility for students from remote areas but will also create local employment opportunities, stimulate regional economies, and promote research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He described universities as engines of holistic growth that generate skilled human resources while strengthening the social and economic fabric of the State.

He reiterated that the State government’s approach to education and social welfare is rooted in a “womb to tomb” philosophy, a commitment to ensuring support, care, and opportunity for every citizen at every stage of life.

From quality early education to lifelong learning and vocational advancement, every policy and programme, he added, reflects the government’s vision of inclusive and sustained development.

Earlier, the programme began with the welcome address delivered by secretary, School Education, Tashi Chopel, who outlined the objectives of the fair.

A video presentation showcasing the departmental initiatives under Samagra Shiksha, along with experience sharing by students, namely Saurav Subba from Dikling Senior Secondary School (Food Production trade) and Padma Biswakarma from Chakung Senior Secondary School (Travel and Tourism trade), were among the highlights of the event.

The event also featured a segment dedicated to awards and recognition, celebrating the achievements of former vocational students who have successfully carved a niche for themselves in various professional fields.

Among those felicitated were Indra Maya Rai, owner of Spicy Restro Bar, Elina Subba, owner of Fancy Holidays Tour and Travels, Auipe Subba, assistant chef at Lamino Pizza Hut in Gujarat, Rahul Prasad, senior associate at Summit Grand and Resort and Spa, Gangtok, Chandana Tamang, Food and Beverage executive at International Cruise, Bangalore, and Saroj Sharma, information assistant at the Tourist Information Centre, Gangtok.

Although Puja Chettri, also an entrepreneur and owner of Fancy Holidays Tour and Travels, could not be present, she was acknowledged among the awardees for her commendable contribution.

Tokens of appreciation were also presented to companies that have demonstrated a strong commitment to local employment, including Pantaloons, Ramada Group of Hotels, Mayfair Hotels and Resorts, and Pizza Hut, each of which has employed over 70 percent of its workforce from within the state.

In addition, 32 underprivileged students from across the State were presented with laptops, and three students received smartphones as part of the department’s continued efforts to promote digital inclusion and ensure equitable access to learning resources.

The vote of thanks was proposed by additional director I, Samagra Shiksha, AD Chettri.

The programme was attended by Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Raj Kumari Thapa, cabinet ministers, MLAs, advisors, chairpersons, secretaries and heads of various departments, senior officials of the Education department, heads of institutions, teachers and students.