The Centre has approved the nationwide rollout of the PradhanMantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU), alongside Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth ₹1,237.58 crore, paving the way for industry-led modernisation of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the country. The decision was taken at the 4th National Steering Committee meeting chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in New Delhi on July 6, in the presence of DG-DGT Dilip Kumar, Joint Secretary ManasiSahay Thakur, state government officials, industry leaders and development partners.
The committee approved PM-SETU’s transition from the pilot phase to implementation across all 200 identified ITI clusters nationwide, while also clearing measures to simplify execution, enhance industry participation, encourage greater involvement of public sector undertakings and strengthen the institutional ecosystem supporting the programme.
As part of the approved SIPs, Jindal Naveen Avasar Limited will invest ₹240.21 crore to anchor the Barbil ITI cluster in Odisha, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India will invest ₹240.18 crore for the Surat cluster in Gujarat, while Telangana secured approvals for three clusters led by Apollo MedSkills (₹241.01 crore), Sri SiddharthInfratech& Services (I) Pvt. Ltd. (₹275.24 crore) and Neuland Foundation (₹240.94 crore). The projects were recommended by the respective State Steering Committees and are aimed at upgrading multiple ITI clusters through industry partnerships.
PM-SETU is one of the Centre’s flagship skilling initiatives focused on modernising India’s ITI ecosystem through upgraded infrastructure, industry-aligned curricula, advanced training facilities and stronger employability outcomes.
The expansion of PM-SETU is expected to create fresh opportunities for industries and training institutions in Guwahati and the wider Northeast. With sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and infrastructure witnessing growing demand for skilled manpower, industry stakeholders believe the initiative could encourage more corporate participation in Assam’s ITIs, improve workforce readiness and strengthen the region’s attractiveness for future industrial investments and job creation.
