Bhubaneswar, July 22 (UDN): Odisha has identified 10 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) for upgradation under the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme, a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening vocational education through industry partnerships.
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The state has selected two Hub ITIs and eight Spoke ITIs under the hub-and-spoke model, marking the beginning of a major overhaul of skill training infrastructure to align vocational education with industry requirements.
₹80 Lakh Released for Initial Implementation
The Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has released ₹80 lakh to Odisha during the 2025-26 financial year to kick-start implementation of the programme.
Of the sanctioned amount, ₹50 lakh has been allocated for appointing a Project Management Consultant (PMC) to oversee execution of the project, while ₹30 lakh has been earmarked for industry mobilisation and outreach activities.
The information was shared by Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Industry Partner to Drive Reforms
To facilitate industry-led reforms, the Odisha government has floated a Request for Proposal (RfP) to select an Anchor Industry Partner (AIP), which will play a pivotal role in modernising the selected ITIs.
The Anchor Industry Partner will work with the institutes to redesign training programmes, upgrade infrastructure, strengthen practical learning and ensure that skill development aligns with the needs of local industries.
Meanwhile, the National Steering Committee (NSC) has approved the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for the Keonjhar-Barbil cluster, allowing implementation activities to move forward.
Focus on Industry-Oriented Skill Development
PM-SETU seeks to improve employability by transforming government-run ITIs into industry-responsive training centres. Under the programme, industry-led Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) will guide institutional reforms, including curriculum updates, modern laboratory facilities, smart classrooms and enhanced industry exposure for trainees.
The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has also introduced 32 new-age courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), which can be offered in the selected ITIs once the Anchor Industry Partner is onboarded.
National Rollout
The PM-SETU scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹60,000 crore, with funding shared between the Centre, state governments and industry partners.
Across the country, the programme aims to modernise 1,000 government ITIs through 200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs, equipped with upgraded infrastructure, digital learning facilities and industry-aligned courses.
The initiative also includes expanding the capacity of five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), including the institute in Bhubaneswar, by establishing sector-specific National Centres of Excellence to strengthen instructor training and curriculum development.
According to the Union government, India’s ITI network has expanded significantly over the past decade, with the number of institutes increasing from 9,642 in 2014 to 13,856 in 2026, while student enrolment has grown from 9.5 lakh to nearly 14.7 lakh during the same period.