The Centre has approved the nationwide expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme, covering 200 ITI clusters, and cleared Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth Rs 1,237.58 crore to upgrade industrial training institutes in Odisha, Gujarat, and Telangana.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the decision was taken at the 4th National Steering Committee (NSC) meeting of PM-SETU, chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Ministry. The meeting included representatives from state governments, industry leaders, multilateral development partners, and other stakeholders.
Transition from Pilot to Nationwide Programme
The Committee approved the transition of PM-SETU from its pilot phase to a nationwide programme, allowing states and union territories to implement the scheme based on industry readiness and execution capacity. The release stated, "In a major decision, the Committee approved the transition of PM-SETU from its pilot phase to a nationwide rollout across all 200 identified ITI clusters, enabling States and Union Territories to take up implementation based on industry readiness and implementation capacity."
Strategic Investment Plans Worth Rs 1,237.58 Crore
The Committee approved SIPs with a combined outlay of Rs 1,237.58 crore. Leading industrial names joined as Anchor Industry Partners: Jindal Naveen Avasar Limited in Odisha, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India in Gujarat, and Apollo Medskills along with two other partners in Telangana. These plans, recommended by the respective State Steering Committees, will drive industry-led upgrades across multiple ITI clusters nationwide.
The release highlighted, "The standout outcome of the meeting was the approval of Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth a combined outlay of Rs 1,237.58 crore, with leading industrial names Jindal Naveen Avasar Limited in Odisha and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India in Gujarat stepping in as Anchor Industry Partners, alongside Apollo Medskills and other two approved ITI clusters in Telangana. The SIPs, recommended by the respective State Steering Committees, pave the way for industry-led upgradation of multiple ITI clusters nationwide."
Breakdown of Investment by State
The proposed investment for Odisha is Rs 240.21 crore, for Gujarat Rs 240.18 crore, and for Telangana Rs 757.19 crore. PM-SETU is a government-backed scheme aimed at modernising India's ITI ecosystem to enhance skilling and employability.
