PM-SETU Scheme

At the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the Prime Minister launched the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. This initiative aims to overhaul India's technical training landscape and create a robust skill development infrastructure.

About the PM-SETU Scheme

The PM-SETU scheme is a centrally sponsored program with an investment of Rs 60,000 crore. It focuses on transforming 1,000 Government ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes) across India into modern, industry-aligned institutions.

Key Features of the PM-SETU Scheme:

• Hub-and-Spoke Model:
  The scheme will follow a hub-and-spoke model. This will involve:

  • 200 Hub ITIs: Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovation centres, incubation units, training facilities, and placement services.

  • 800 Spoke ITIs: These will serve as outreach centres, ensuring broader access to skill development across the country.

• Industry-Aligned Training:
  The scheme will:

  • Introduce new, demand-driven courses that are in line with industry needs.

  • Revamp existing courses with the help of industry partnerships.

  • Establish Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) with Anchor Industry Partners to manage and monitor the clusters and ensure that training remains outcome-oriented.

• Diplomas, Short-Term & Executive Programs:
  PM-SETU will provide pathways for:

  • Long-term diplomas.

  • Short-term certification courses.

  • Executive programs for skill upgradation.

• Centers of Excellence (CoEs):
  The scheme will also focus on strengthening 5 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) as Centers of Excellence. These institutes will develop global partnerships and enhance skill training:

  • Bhubaneswar (Odisha)

  • Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

  • Hyderabad (Telangana)

  • Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh)

  • Ludhiana (Punjab)

• Global Co-financing Support:
  The initiative is backed by financial support from global institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

• First Phase:
  The initial phase of the scheme will focus on Patna and Darbhanga ITIs.

Significance of the PM-SETU Scheme

1. Boost to Skill Development:
   By upgrading ITIs and aligning their courses with industry standards, the scheme will enhance employability and fill the skill gap in various sectors across India.

2. Industry Collaboration:
   Collaborating with industries will ensure that the training provided is not only relevant but also directly linked to real-world job opportunities.

3. Job Creation:
   The upgraded ITIs, with their new infrastructure and specialized courses, are expected to provide skill-based training to thousands of youth, ultimately contributing to job creation and reducing unemployment.

4. Global Recognition:
   Strengthening the Centers of Excellence with global partnerships will raise the standards of training, ensuring that Indian workers are skilled to meet international standards.