New Delhi
The Central Government has approved the nationwide rollout of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded Industrial Training Institutes (PM-SETU) scheme, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s vocational education and skill development ecosystem. Alongside the expansion, the government has also cleared Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth Rs 1,237.58 crore to modernise Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) through partnerships with leading industries.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) announced that the decisions were taken during the fourth meeting of the National Steering Committee (NSC) on PM-SETU, chaired by Skill Development Secretary Debashree Mukherjee.
According to the ministry, the committee approved the transition of PM-SETU from its pilot phase to a full-scale nationwide implementation covering all 200 identified ITI clusters. The move will enable states and Union Territories to implement the scheme based on industry preparedness, local requirements, and execution capacity, ensuring greater flexibility while maintaining national objectives.
The committee also approved several measures aimed at streamlining implementation, increasing industry participation, encouraging greater involvement of public sector undertakings (PSUs), and strengthening the institutional framework supporting the programme. These reforms are expected to improve coordination between government agencies, industries, and training institutions while ensuring better outcomes for students.
A major outcome of the meeting was the approval of five Strategic Investment Plans with a combined financial outlay of Rs 1,237.58 crore. The investments will support the modernisation of ITI infrastructure, introduce industry-aligned training programmes, and enhance employment opportunities for students by creating stronger links between training institutes and employers.
In Odisha, the Government ITI Barbil cluster received approval for an investment of Rs 240.21 crore, with a leading company serving as the anchor industry partner. In Gujarat, the Government ITI Surat cluster will be upgraded through an investment of Rs 240.18 crore led by an integrated flat carbon steel manufacturer.
Three ITI clusters in Telangana also secured approval under the programme. The Government ITI Old City cluster will receive an investment of Rs 241.01 crore under the leadership of a healthcare education and training organisation. The Government ITI Patancheru cluster will benefit from an investment of Rs 275.24 crore, while the Government ITI Sangareddy cluster has been allocated Rs 240.94 crore through another industry partner. The Strategic Investment Plans were recommended by the respective State Steering Committees after evaluating local industrial requirements and workforce development priorities.