New Initiative Enhances Vocational Training Across India
The Indian Cabinet has greenlit the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM SETU) scheme, aiming to elevate the quality and relevance of vocational training nationwide. This initiative is set to modernize Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and bolster employability through industry-aligned training programs.
Key objectives of the PM SETU scheme focus on enhancing training delivery in ITIs and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), updating infrastructure and equipment to meet industry standards, and creating new courses in emerging sectors. It also seeks to strengthen industry partnerships for demand-driven skill development and improve training capacity for educators at NSTIs.
Components of the PM SETU Scheme
The PM SETU initiative is structured into two distinct components. The first involves upgrading 1,000 government ITIs, which includes 200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs. This upgradation encompasses smart classrooms, modern laboratories, digital learning content, and new courses tailored to current industry demands.
The second component focuses on boosting the capacity of five NSTIs located in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana. This includes the establishment of sector-specific National Centres of Excellence aimed at enhancing advanced training for trainers through global partnerships.
Fostering Employability and Entrepreneurship
The PM SETU scheme emphasizes improving employability through governance driven by industry needs. It also encourages self-employment and entrepreneurship by equipping learners with relevant skills and providing exposure to actual work environments. Trainees will receive career guidance, placement support, and resources for self-employment, backed by enhanced institutional systems and industry connections.
A critical aspect of the program mandates that all ITI trainees complete a 120-hour Employability Skills training module within their one-year courses. This training includes vital subjects such as entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and digital skills, particularly supporting rural women in exploring self-employment options.
Governance and Oversight
The implementation of the PM SETU scheme will be managed by a National Steering Committee (NSC), which includes representatives from both Central and State Governments as well as industry stakeholders. This committee will provide overarching policy guidance. Furthermore, State Steering Committees (SSCs), led by the Chief Secretary of each State or Union Territory, will monitor the scheme’s progress at the local level.
The program also outlines provisions for regular monitoring, performance evaluations, and third-party impact assessments to ensure the effective realization of its goals. This information was disclosed by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, in a written response during a recent Lok Sabha session.
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