PM-SETU Scheme Launches Industry Consultation in Pune
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) hosted a significant industry consultation in Pune today to kickstart the PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) scheme. Led by Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of MSDE, alongside Ms. Manisha Verma, Additional Chief Secretary from the Maharashtra government, the event gathered over 40 leading companies across various sectors.
The consultation took place at the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA), where industry giants like Mahindra, Tata Group, Bharat Electronics, and Godrej shared their insights. The discussions revolved around the hub-and-spoke ITI model, the establishment of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for industry governance, innovation in curriculum, upskilling trainers, and enhancing employment outcomes for trainees.
Ms. Debashree Mukherjee emphasized the vital role of industry participation in the PM-SETU scheme. She noted that the initiative aims to make Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) more industry-relevant and outcome-driven. This focus encompasses improving infrastructure, enhancing training quality, and emphasizing measurable placement results.
Additionally, Ms. Mukherjee highlighted the scheme’s design to foster sustained partnerships between industry and training institutes. By aligning training with emerging technologies and real-world business needs, the initiative is set to produce a steady stream of job-ready professionals. The benefits for companies include access to modern facilities, reduced training costs, and a reliable pipeline of skilled workers.
Reiterating the state’s support, Ms. Manisha Verma expressed Maharashtra’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to active industry engagement. She assured that the state would facilitate smooth implementation through strong collaboration with stakeholders and a focus on enhancing the overall quality of ITIs, thereby improving employment outcomes.
The feedback from industry leaders during the consultation signaled robust interest in the innovative framework proposed by PM-SETU. Participants noted that increased industry involvement could significantly contribute to developing a talent pool ready for the future, while ITIs could also evolve into hubs for production-linked training and creative innovation.
Participants engaged in field visits to several ITIs in Pune, including ITI Aundh and ITI Girls Pune, gaining firsthand experience of the training infrastructure and integrated skilling models in action.
Launched by Prime Minister Modi in October 2025, the PM-SETU scheme boasts a budget of ₹60,000 crore over five years. It aims to transform ITIs into establishments managed by private industry but owned by the government, focusing on upgrading infrastructure, introducing contemporary courses, and ensuring governance led by industry standards. This initiative is aligned with India’s goal of creating a skilled workforce to support the nation’s growth sectors and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
