PM-SETU Scheme: Centre approves over Rs 1,000 crore for five ITI clusters in Maharashtra, Odisha, J&K

The National Steering Committee (NSC) has approved investments worth Rs 1,194.92 crore to upgrade five Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters across Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme.

With these approvals, the cumulative investment sanctioned under the scheme has reached Rs 3,687 crore, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) said on October 16.

The approved projects will be implemented in partnership with Tata Steel Foundation, BVG India, Belrise Industries, Eagle Infra India and Inderdeep Infra India. The clusters will focus on modernising ITI infrastructure, introducing industry-aligned training programmes, strengthening trainer capacity and improving employment opportunities for young people.

The approvals were announced following the sixth National Steering Committee meeting, chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE. The committee also reviewed progress under the scheme's Training of Trainers (ToT) programme, under which 3,744 trainers had been trained through National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) as of October 2026.

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PM-SETU Scheme: Investment approved for five ITI clusters

The National Steering Committee approved five Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) across the three states and Union Territories. The cluster-wise investment details are given below.

According to the ministry, the projects will be implemented through partnerships between state governments, industry partners and participating ITIs under the PM-SETU framework.

PM-SETU: ITI modernisation projects in Maharashtra

The committee approved two ITI cluster projects in Maharashtra, with a combined investment of Rs 479.01 crore.

The Pune ITI cluster will receive Rs 241 crore through a partnership with BVG India Ltd and BVG Foundation. Government ITI Aundh, Pune, will serve as the hub, while Government ITI Aundh (Women), Government ITI Pimpri Chinchwad, Government ITI Khed (Rajgurunagar) and Government ITI Mulshi will function as spoke institutions.

The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ITI cluster has been approved an investment of Rs 238.01 crore in partnership with Belrise Industries Ltd. Government ITI Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will be the hub, supported by Government ITIs at Paithan, Khultabad, Phulambri and Gangapur.

The projects aim to improve training infrastructure and introduce programmes that match changing industry skill requirements.

PM-SETU: Odisha ITI cluster to receive Rs 240.50 crore

The Kataka ITI cluster in Odisha has been approved an investment of Rs 240.50 crore in partnership with Tata Steel Foundation.

Government ITI Kataka will serve as the hub institution. The cluster's spoke institutions are Madhusudan Government ITI Choudwar, Government ITI Paradeep, Government ITI Jajpur and Government ITI Dhenkanal.

The project will focus on strengthening infrastructure, introducing new-age training programmes and building stronger links between ITIs and industries to meet emerging skill requirements in the region.

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PM-SETU: Jammu, Srinagar ITI clusters approved

Two ITI clusters in Jammu and Kashmir have been approved investments totalling Rs 475.41 crore.

The Jammu ITI cluster will receive Rs 240 crore in partnership with Eagle Infra India Ltd. Government ITI Jammu will act as the hub, with Government ITIs at R.S. Pura, Nowshera, Samba and Kathua serving as spoke institutions.

The Srinagar ITI cluster has been approved Rs 235.41 crore in partnership with Inderdeep Infra India. Government ITI Srinagar will be the hub, supported by Government ITIs at Ganderbal, Kangan, Budgam and Charar-i-Sharief.

Commenting on the approvals, Debashree Mukherjee said the investments would strengthen ITIs, improve training and increase industry participation.

“The approvals given by the National Steering Committee are an important step in implementing PM-SETU. They will help strengthen ITIs, improve training and increase industry participation,” Mukherjee said, according to the ministry's press release.

She also encouraged the clusters to work towards ISO certification and include at least one WorldSkills-aligned trade or competency area in their approved implementation plans. She said the objective was to improve training quality and help young people gain skills that lead to better employment opportunities.

Mukherjee also welcomed the progress made by Jammu and Kashmir, saying it reflected a commitment to strengthening skill development and expanding opportunities for young people in the region.

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PM-SETU Training of Trainers programme

The National Steering Committee also reviewed progress under Component II of the PM-SETU scheme, which focuses on the Training of Trainers programme.

According to the ministry, 3,744 trainers had been trained through National Skill Training Institutes as of October 2026. The programme aims to develop a pool of instructors equipped with updated technical knowledge and teaching skills to deliver industry-relevant training.

The latest approvals are part of the government's efforts to upgrade ITIs into modern, industry-aligned institutions and strengthen the link between vocational education and employment.