₹1,194 Crore Investment Approved for ITI Clusters in Three States

In a significant move to enhance vocational training, the 6th National Steering Committee (NSC) meeting of PM-SETU has sanctioned an investment of approximately ₹1,194 crore for the establishment of five Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters across Maharashtra, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir. This decision was made during a meeting held on October 16, 2026, aimed at bolstering skill development initiatives in these regions.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) highlighted that this latest approval brings the total investment sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) program to over ₹3,687 crore. This cumulative investment underscores the government's commitment to enhancing vocational education and training across the country.

During the meeting, MSDE Secretary Debashree Mukherjee emphasized that these approvals are pivotal in strengthening the infrastructure of ITIs, improving the quality of training, and fostering greater participation from industries. She noted the encouraging progress in Jammu and Kashmir, indicating a robust commitment to skill development and expanding employment opportunities for the youth in the region.

The implications of this investment are expected to be far-reaching, as it aims to elevate the standards of vocational training, thereby equipping young individuals with the necessary skills for better employment prospects. The initiative is poised to enhance the employability of graduates from these institutes, addressing the skill gap in various industries.

Looking ahead, the government plans to monitor the implementation of these ITI clusters closely, ensuring that the investments translate into tangible improvements in training quality and job readiness. Future meetings and assessments will be scheduled to evaluate the progress and impact of these initiatives on the local economies and workforce development.