National Scheme for ITI Upgradation Workshop

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, hosted a Consultative Workshop on the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation on October 25, 2023, at the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar. This workshop aimed to gather insights and align perspectives from various stakeholders, including industry representatives, academia, and training institutions, to enhance the quality and relevance of vocational training programs in India.

Key Highlights:

• Objectives of the Scheme:

  • The National Scheme for ITI Upgradation aims to modernize and improve vocational training facilities across India, focusing on equipping the youth with market-relevant skills.
  • The initiative emphasizes a Hub-and-Spoke model for governance, global-standard training, and industry collaboration.

• Framework and Vision:

  • Shri Rajit Punhani, Secretary, MSDE, articulated the scheme's ambition to redefine vocational training by leveraging Odisha's industrial strength and establishing it as a leader in skill development.
  • Emphasis was placed on preparing youth not just for current job markets but as future leaders in the economy.

• Consultative Workshop Insights:

  • The workshop included a review of Odisha’s ongoing efforts in enhancing its ITI framework through infrastructure improvements and partnerships with industries.
  • Participants provided valuable recommendations for curriculum updates, hybrid training methods, and targeted skilling for sectors like defense, agriculture, and mining.

• Specific Recommendations:

  • Align ITI curricula with global standards and industry requirements.
  • Establish Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for governance in ITI clusters, promoting collaboration between government and industry.
  • Enhance training programs for trainers and encourage participation in skill competitions.

Scheme Financials and Implementation:

• The Union Cabinet approved this scheme on May 7, 2025, with a financial outlay of INR 60,000 crore over five years.
  • The funding structure includes ₹30,000 crore from the Central Government, ₹20,000 crore from State Governments, and ₹10,000 crore from the Industry (including Corporate Social Responsibility funds).
• The plan includes upgrading 1,000 ITIs nationally, with 200 Hub ITIs fitted with advanced laboratories and innovation centers, and 800 Spoke ITIs for broader accessibility.
• Five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) will be enhanced to National Centres of Excellence (NCoEs) through partnerships with global entities, focusing on high-end skilling.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• The consultative workshop was attended by officials from MSDE and the Odisha government, as well as industry leaders from various organizations such as:
  • CTTC, CIPET, NTTF, Adani Ports, Tata Strive, Phillips Education, Arcelor Mittal, and Nippon Steel.
• The initiative encourages active involvement from industries as Anchor Industry Partners, supporting the establishment of sustainable vocational training that is aligned with market needs.

Impact and Future Prospects:

• The collaborative approach outlined in the workshop signifies India's commitment to creating a skill-based economy.
• The initiative is expected to significantly enhance employability, thereby positioning the Indian workforce effectively for future job markets while addressing local industry demands.

This comprehensive scheme showcases the government's dedication to modernizing vocational training frameworks, enhancing youth employability, and fostering the integration of technological advancements within India's skill development landscape.