Maharashtra govt rolls out new PPP model to make ITIs ‘world-class’ education hubs

The Maharashtra government has come up with an initiative to upgrade government-run industrial training institutes (ITI) with a new public-private partnership (PPP) policy. The state government has asked industry partners to make long-term investments in ITI infrastructure, faculty, and training programmes so that these institutes can provide “world-class” education to its students to make them career-ready.

The new PPP policy is developed under the aegis of the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship.

Under the PPP policy aimed at upgrading ITIs, industry partners are expected to invest a minimum of Rs 10 crore over a period of 10 years. A sum of Rs 3.25 crore is to be invested in the first year, and minimum Rs 75 lakh in each subsequent year. Or the industry partners can opt for Rs 20 crore over a period of 20 years. In this case, a sum of Rs 5.75 crore is to be invested in the first year, and minimum Rs 75 lakh in each subsequent year.

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In both cases, at least 60% of the total amount should be capital expenditure, and up to 40% of it can be operational expenditure. Under capital expenditure, partners can contribute to the upgradation of infrastructure, training facilities, machinery, and instructors of ITIs.

According to an Indian Express report, the policy will enable high-tech training, improved infrastructure, direct apprenticeship opportunities with global companies, and employment avenues that will financially empower the trainees. Around 2 lakh students are expected to benefit from the new PPP policy, the report added.

The Maharashtra government aims to upgrade its ITIs by introducing AI and automation in its skill development courses. The infrastructure and vocational training quality will be improved. There will be industry participation in the form of workshops, certifications, internships, and apprenticeships

Maharashtra ITIs: DTE recognised courses

The government of Maharashtra owns 419 public ITIs with a total 1,25,000 seats. These institutes offer 80 different courses for vocational training, which are recognised by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Maharashtra.

According to the official document, the objectives of the new PPP policy are:

• Increase skilled employees who align with the current industry standards.
• 80% of students to get job opportunities and 20% to go for higher studies.
• To make Maharashtra a USD 1 trillion economy and to contribute to India’s goal of a USD 5 trillion economy.