PM-Setu Strengthens ITI Transformation

Summary of PM-Setu Initiative and National Steering Committee Meeting

Overview of PM-Setu:

• PM-Setu (Prime Minister Skill Development and Employment Transformation for Advanced ITIs) is a government initiative aimed at transforming Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in India to be more industry-oriented and future-ready.
• The initiative adopts a hub-and-spoke model, connecting a main ITI (hub) with several associated ITIs (spokes) for coordinated investment and modernization.

National Steering Committee Meeting:

• The 5th National Steering Committee (NSC) meeting was held under the chairmanship of Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Key attendees included representatives from the Directorate General of Training (DGT), industry partners, and officials from state governments.

Investment Approvals:

• The NSC approved a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) totaling ₹735.70 crore, enhancing the total investment under PM-Setu to ₹2,171 crore across 9 ITI clusters.
• Approved SIPs are designated for ITI clusters in:
  • Rajasthan: ₹241 crore for Bhiwadi ITI cluster (Main center: Government ITI Bhiwadi).
  • Telangana: ₹254.30 crore for Medchal ITI cluster (Main center: Government ITI Medchal).
  • Uttar Pradesh: ₹240.40 crore for Meerut ITI cluster (Main center: Government ITI Saket, Meerut).

Significance of SIP Approvals:

• SIPs are expected to modernize ITI infrastructure, introduce new long-term and short-term courses, and align training programs with industry needs.
• The initiative aims to enhance the capacity of ITIs, preparing youth for emerging technologies and evolving job markets.

Key Achievements:

• Signing of a Shareholder Agreement (SHA) between HG Infra Engineering Ltd., the Rajasthan government, and MSDE for the Bhiwadi ITI cluster, marking Rajasthan as the first state to implement SHA under PM-Setu.
• The collaboration aims to ensure that ITIs can provide skill development in line with industry requirements.

Future Goals:

• The PM-Setu initiative aims to facilitate the establishment of modern, industry-oriented ITIs across India, thereby improving employment outcomes for graduates.
• The focus will be on creating a robust partnership between government, state administrations, and the industry to ensure that ITIs can deliver relevant and high-quality training.

Conclusion:

• The PM-Setu initiative represents a significant commitment from the Indian government to enhance vocational training and skill development, ensuring that the workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a changing economy.