Major Companies Support Skills Development Initiative: Reliance, Adani, Mahindra
At least a dozen major corporations are expressing interest in collaborating with the Indian government on the ambitious Rs 60,000-crore National Scheme for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Upgradation. Eight prominent companies, including Reliance Group, Adani Group, and Mahindra Group, have already submitted their preferences regarding states and sectors to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. This initiative aims to establish “hub and spoke ITIs” that will provide industry-relevant skills training to millions of young people across the country.
Corporate Partnerships for Skill Development
The National Scheme for ITI Upgradation has attracted significant attention from various large companies eager to partner with the government. Among the eight companies that have submitted proposals are industry giants such as JK Cement, Jindal Group, Toyota India, Schneider Electric, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel. These partnerships are designed to create a network of ITIs that will serve as central hubs for training, while connected vocational institutes will act as spokes, benefiting from the resources and expertise of the hubs. This model aims to enhance the quality of vocational training and align it with the needs of the industry.
In addition to the eight companies that have already expressed interest, discussions are ongoing with other major players, including Larsen & Toubro, Bajaj Auto, and the Aditya Birla Group. Public sector units like Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd are also in talks to join the initiative. The scheme, which received approval from the Union Cabinet in May, seeks to upgrade 1,000 ITIs and train two million youth over the next five years.
Funding and Implementation Strategy
The funding for this extensive initiative is structured to include contributions from multiple sources. The central government will allocate Rs 30,000 crore, while state governments will contribute Rs 20,000 crore. The remaining Rs 10,000 crore will come from industry partners. Notably, the central government’s share will be co-financed equally by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, ensuring a robust financial backing for the project.
The primary goal of the scheme is to enhance the skill sets of the youth in sectors that are expected to grow in the future. By focusing on industry-aligned training, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping young people with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing job market.
Sector-Specific Training Initiatives
Each participating company has identified specific states and sectors where they plan to implement their training programs. For instance, JK Cement has proposed to focus on Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, offering training in construction, electrical and electronics, renewable energy, and hospitality. Meanwhile, the Mahindra Group has shortlisted Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa for training in automotive and hospitality sectors.
Reliance Group has expressed interest in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, targeting sectors such as renewables, retail, advanced manufacturing, and petrochemical engineering. Jindal Group aims to provide training in both traditional and emerging trades across Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand. Toyota India plans to enhance ITIs in Karnataka for automobile-related trades, while Adani Group seeks to upgrade institutes in various states, including Gujarat and Bihar, focusing on training in solar power, drones, and port operations.
Future Workforce Development
The initiative is not just about upgrading facilities; it also aims to create a future-ready workforce. Arunkumar Pillai, CEO of NAMTECH, a training initiative by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, emphasized the importance of this mission. He stated that NAMTECH aims to train 500,000 youths by 2028 and is prepared to collaborate with the government to achieve this goal. The overarching vision is to cultivate a globally competitive workforce that meets the demands of modern industries.
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