India Launches Five Centers of Excellence for Skill Development
The Indian government has taken a significant step towards enhancing skill development by approving five National Centres of Excellence (NCoE) as outlined in the Budget 2025-26. These centers aim to provide sector-specific training in collaboration with global partners and have been officially sanctioned by the Cabinet on May 7, 2025, as part of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme.
Located in Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad (Telangana), Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), and Ludhiana (Punjab), these centers were selected based on various criteria including land availability, trade diversity, current capacity, expansion potential, and qualified faculty. This strategic move illustrates the government’s commitment to improving vocational education and aligning it with industry needs.
International Collaboration and Local Adaptation
In a bid to strengthen international ties, the National Steering Committee has approved the guidelines for the PM-SETU scheme, which includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore for establishing an NCoE at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) in Chennai, focusing on the Advanced Manufacturing Sector. To further enhance industry collaboration, an Expression of Interest (EoI) has been issued to attract Lead Industry Partners for these five NSTIs.
A key part of this initiative is the formation of an Institute Management Committee (IMC), which will be chaired by the Lead Industry Partner. This committee is tasked with planning and implementing training programs tailored to industry requirements. The proposed composition of the IMC includes representatives from various sectors to ensure a comprehensive approach to skill development.
Upgrading Government ITIs Across India
Under Component I of the PM-SETU scheme, plans are also in place to upgrade 1,000 Government ITIs using a Hub-and-Spoke model in partnership with industry. This approach allows states to adapt skill interventions to meet local demands, including the establishment of specialized skill centers in fields like agriculture, food processing, and dairy. For instance, specific focus could be placed on the Seemanchal-Kosi region of Bihar, in line with community needs.
This initiative reflects the Indian government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing employability and fostering industry readiness among the youth. The announcement was made by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, during a formal response in the Lok Sabha.
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