The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship announced the approval for the nationwide implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) totaling Rs 1,237.58 crore have been cleared to upgrade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in partnership with industries. The decisions were made during the fourth meeting of the National Steering Committee on PM-SETU, led by Secretary Debashree Mukherjee.
The committee endorsed the expansion of PM-SETU from a pilot phase to a countrywide launch covering all 200 designated ITI clusters. This move allows states and Union Territories to execute the scheme based on industry readiness and operational capabilities. Additionally, steps were approved to simplify the implementation process, boost industry involvement, promote public sector undertakings (PSUs) participation, and reinforce the institutional framework supporting the initiative.
Notably, five strategic investment plans amounting to Rs 1,237.58 crore were sanctioned, facilitated by prominent industry collaborators in Odisha, Gujarat, and Telangana. In Odisha, a company was chosen as the primary industry partner for the Government ITI Barbil cluster, proposing an investment of Rs 240.21 crore. Similarly, in Gujarat, an integrated flat carbon steel manufacturer will spearhead the Government ITI Surat cluster with an investment of Rs 240.18 crore. Telangana also saw approvals for three ITI clusters.
Furthermore, a healthcare education and training organization will lead the Government ITI Old City cluster in Telangana with an investment of Rs 241.01 crore, while another firm will anchor the Government ITI Patancheru cluster with Rs 275.24 crore. The Government ITI Sangareddy cluster will receive support from a company with an investment of Rs 240.94 crore. These Strategic Investment Plans, proposed by the State Steering Committees, aim to enhance ITI infrastructure, introduce industry-aligned training programs, and improve employability outcomes by fostering closer collaboration between industries and training institutions.
The PM-SETU initiative is a prominent skilling program by the Centre, focusing on modernizing India’s ITI ecosystem through upgraded infrastructure, industry-aligned curricula, stronger industry partnerships, and enhanced employment prospects for students.
