The sixth meeting of the National Steering Committee (NSC) for the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) was chaired by Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). During the meeting, the committee evaluated the progress of the initiative and authorized five Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) totaling ₹1,194.92 crore for ITI clusters located in Maharashtra, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir.
With this latest approval, the total investment greenlit under PM-SETU has now reached ₹3,687 crore, representing a significant step forward in the Indian government’s mission to modernize Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), aligning them more closely with industry needs and preparing them for future challenges.
Ms. Debashree Mukherjee emphasized, “The National Steering Committee’s approvals mark a pivotal advancement in the implementation of PM-SETU. They will fortify ITIs, enhance training quality, and boost industry collaboration. We urge these clusters to strive for ISO certification and incorporate at least one WorldSkills-aligned trade or competency area in their Approved Implementation Plans. Our objective is to elevate the standard of training and enable youth to acquire skills that lead to improved job prospects. The advancements noted in Jammu & Kashmir are promising and showcase a strong dedication to enhancing skill development and expanding opportunities for the region’s youth.”
The approved Strategic Investment Plans will be executed in collaboration with state governments, industry stakeholders, and participating ITIs, in line with the PM-SETU framework. These initiatives aim to modernize infrastructure, introduce courses aligned with industry standards, enhance trainer capabilities, strengthen industry connections, and improve employment outcomes for young people.
The following clusters have received approval for upgrades:
- Kataka ITI Cluster, Odisha: An investment of ₹240.50 crore has been approved in collaboration with Tata Steel Foundation. This cluster consists of Government ITI Kataka as the central hub, supported by Madhusudan Government ITI Choudwar, Government ITI Paradeep, Government ITI Jajpur, and Government ITI Dhenkanal.
- Pune ITI Cluster, Maharashtra: The committee approved ₹241 crore for upgrading this cluster in partnership with BVG India Limited and BVG Foundation. The main hub is Government ITI Aundh, Pune, with additional support from Government ITI Aundh (Women), Government ITI Pimpri Chinchwad, Government ITI Khed (Rajgurunagar), and Government ITI Mulshi.
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ITI Cluster, Maharashtra: A Strategic Investment Plan worth ₹238.01 crore has been approved in partnership with Belrise Industries Limited. Government ITI Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will serve as the hub, supported by Government ITI Paithan, Government ITI Khultabad, Government ITI Phulambri, and Government ITI Gangapur.
- Jammu ITI Cluster, Jammu & Kashmir: An investment of ₹240 crore has been authorized in collaboration with Eagle Infra India Limited. The hub is Government ITI Jammu, with Government ITI R.S. Pura, Government ITI Nowshera, Government ITI Samba, and Government ITI Kathua as spokes.
- Srinagar ITI Cluster, Jammu & Kashmir: The committee approved a ₹235.41 crore investment in partnership with Inderdeep Infra India Limited. Government ITI Srinagar will act as the hub, with support from Government ITI Ganderbal, Government ITI Kangan, Government ITI Budgam, and Government ITI Charar-i-Sharief.
Additionally, the National Steering Committee reviewed the progress of the Training of Trainers (ToT) component under the PM-SETU scheme, which aims to develop a skilled pool of instructors equipped with modern technical and teaching competencies. By October 2026, a total of 3,744 trainers will have been trained through National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs).
