₹482 crore indicative investment proposed for upgrading 10 ITIs, with focus on high-demand skills and better-paying jobs
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 10: The Jammu & Kashmir administration has proposed an indicative investment of around ₹482 crore over five years to transform 10 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into modern, industry-oriented skill institutions under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, who chaired the first UT Level Steering Committee meeting on Thursday to review implementation of the scheme in Jammu & Kashmir, stressed that the upgradation of ITIs should go beyond physical infrastructure and focus on creating an industry-aligned ecosystem that equips youth with skills linked to quality and well-paid employment.
Dulloo called for close collaboration between the government, industry and training institutions in designing courses and training programmes according to emerging market requirements.
“The real measure of the success of PM-SETU would be the ability to create a steady pipeline of industry-ready skilled manpower and connect J&K’s youth with better employment and entrepreneurship opportunities,” the Chief Secretary said.
He emphasised that industry partners selected for the initiative should contribute not only financially but also bring technology, domain expertise, modern training practices, exposure to industrial processes and credible employment pathways for trained youth.
According to the Skill Development Department, the proposed ₹482 crore investment would be spread across two hub-and-spoke clusters, with ₹241 crore earmarked for each cluster.
Under the proposed model, 10 Government ITIs would be organised into two clusters, with one Hub ITI in each administrative division serving as a central technology and resource centre for four Spoke ITIs.
The upgraded Hub ITIs would provide access to advanced technologies, modern training infrastructure, incubation facilities and capacity-building support for trainers. The scheme targets an institutional placement rate of 75 per cent.
Industry-led training model
A major component of PM-SETU is the proposed industry-led implementation framework. Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) would facilitate industry participation in institutional governance, course selection, technology adoption, training and placement.
The model is intended to ensure that training remains demand-driven rather than supply-driven, with courses periodically aligned with market trends and actual manpower requirements.
Priority training domains identified for the proposed transformation include Advanced and Smart Manufacturing; Heavy Engineering and Automotive; Electricals, Electronics and Telecom; Process Industries and Food Processing; and Textiles, Garments, Construction and Building Interiors.
Other emerging sectors with strong employment potential in Jammu & Kashmir would also be considered.
The financial architecture of PM-SETU follows a tripartite contribution model, with 74.7 per cent contribution from the Central Government, 8.3 per cent from the UT Government and 17 per cent from Anchor Industry Partners (AIPs).
The average estimated cost has been placed at around ₹81 crore for each Hub ITI and ₹40 crore for each Spoke ITI.
Companies participating as Anchor Industry Partners are required to meet prescribed baseline parameters, including an average annual turnover of at least ₹200 crore during the preceding three financial years, positive net worth and a regular workforce of 500 or more employees.
Presenting the scheme before the committee, Secretary, Skill Development Department, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, outlined the proposed institutional architecture, funding pattern, ITI upgradation plan and roadmap for implementation in Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, Education; Secretary, Skill Development Department; Managing Director, J&K Skill Development Mission; Director, Skill Development Department; Labour Commissioner; representatives of industrial bodies and other concerned officers.
Dulloo described PM-SETU as a model for improving skill education and stressed that its implementation should ultimately strengthen the role of skill development as a pillar of Jammu & Kashmir’s economic growth.
