The Government of India has approved the nationwide rollout of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme across 200 Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters. Alongside the expansion, the government has also cleared Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth ₹1,237.58 crore for the modernisation of five ITI clusters in Odisha, Gujarat and Telangana. The approvals were granted during the fourth meeting of the National Steering Committee (NSC), chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The move marks a major step in strengthening India's vocational education ecosystem through stronger industry participation and upgraded infrastructure.
PM-SETU is one of the Centre's flagship skill development initiatives aimed at transforming traditional ITIs into modern, industry-driven institutions capable of delivering future-ready training. Following the successful pilot phase, the scheme will now be implemented across all identified ITI clusters, enabling states and Union Territories to begin execution based on industry readiness and implementation capacity. The nationwide rollout is expected to significantly enhance employability while improving the quality of technical education across the country.
₹1,237.58 Crore Approved for ITI Upgradation
The National Steering Committee approved Strategic Investment Plans worth ₹1,237.58 crore to modernise five ITI clusters. The approved projects include one cluster in Odisha anchored by Jindal Naveen Avasar Limited, one cluster in Gujarat supported by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India and three clusters in Telangana led by Apollo Medskills and two other industry partners. These investment proposals were recommended by the respective State Steering Committees and are expected to accelerate industry-led transformation of ITIs.
Industry to Play a Larger Role
A key feature of PM-SETU is the active involvement of industry in designing curriculum, upgrading infrastructure and improving training quality. Under the revised implementation framework, anchor industry partners will collaborate directly with ITIs to ensure students receive practical, market-oriented training aligned with evolving industrial requirements. The government also approved measures to simplify implementation, encourage greater participation from public sector undertakings and strengthen institutional support for the programme.
Preparing a Future-Ready Workforce
Through upgraded workshops, modern laboratories, digital learning infrastructure and revised curricula, PM-SETU aims to equip students with skills required in emerging sectors such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, renewable energy, logistics and digital technologies. The programme also seeks to improve placement opportunities by strengthening partnerships between training institutions and employers. According to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, industry collaboration will ensure graduates possess competencies that match current labour market demands.
Supporting India's Skill Development Goals
Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary welcomed the nationwide rollout and urged more industry leaders to participate in upgrading ITIs into globally competitive institutions. The expansion supports the government's broader Skill India mission by creating stronger links between education, industry and employment while building a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting India's long-term economic growth.
- PM-SETU expanded nationwide across 200 ITI clusters.
- Strategic Investment Plans worth ₹1,237.58 crore approved.
- Five ITI clusters in Odisha, Gujarat and Telangana to be upgraded.
- Anchor partners include Jindal Naveen Avasar Limited, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India and Apollo Medskills.
- Focus on industry-led training, infrastructure modernisation and employability.
- States and Union Territories will implement the scheme based on readiness.
Major Push for Technical Education
The nationwide expansion of PM-SETU represents one of the government's most significant investments in vocational education and workforce development. By combining substantial public investment with strong industry partnerships, the initiative aims to transform ITIs into centres of excellence capable of delivering world-class technical education. The programme is expected to improve employability, strengthen India's skilled workforce and support industrial growth by ensuring that vocational training keeps pace with changing economic and technological needs.
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