The Centre has approved the nationwide rollout of the PradhanMantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU), marking a major expansion of the flagship skill development programme with Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth ₹1,237.58 crore across Odisha, Gujarat and Telangana. The decision was taken at the 4th National Steering Committee meeting chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in New Delhi on Monday.
The committee approved the transition of PM-SETU from its pilot phase to implementation across all 200 identified Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters in the country. It also cleared measures to simplify implementation, increase industry participation, encourage greater involvement of public sector undertakings and strengthen the institutional framework supporting the programme.
Among the approved projects, Jindal Naveen Avasar Limited will anchor the Barbil ITI cluster in Odisha with a proposed investment of ₹240.21 crore, while ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India will lead the Surat ITI cluster in Gujarat with ₹240.18 crore. In Telangana, Apollo MedSkills, Sri SiddharthInfratech& Services (I) Pvt. Ltd. and Neuland Foundation will anchor three ITI clusters with combined investments exceeding ₹757 crore.
PM-SETU aims to modernise the country’s ITI ecosystem through industry-led infrastructure upgrades, future-ready curricula and stronger employability outcomes by fostering closer collaboration between industry and training institutions.
The nationwide expansion of PM-SETU is expected to boost interest in skill development initiatives across Guwahati and Assam, where manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and infrastructure sectors continue to seek a skilled workforce. Industry experts believe the programme could encourage more companies in the Northeast to partner with ITIs, enhancing job-ready training, improving employability and supporting the region’s growing industrial and economic development.