PM-SETU and the modernisation of India’s ITI ecosystem
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has described a major expansion and modernisation push for India’s Industrial Training Institute ecosystem under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. The initiative matters for UPSC because it links vocational education, employability, and industrial competitiveness.
What happened now
According to the government’s reply in the Rajya Sabha, the number of Industrial Training Institutes increased from 9,642 in 2014 to 13,856 in 2026. The seating capacity in these institutes also increased from 17,42,986 in the 2014-15 session to 20,07,580 at present.
The PM-SETU scheme has a total outlay of Rs. 60,000 crore, with a Central Share of Rs. 30,000 crore, a State Share of Rs. 20,000 crore, and an Industry Share of Rs. 10,000 crore.
Scheme design
Related current affairs
- PM-SETU scheme: upgrading and expanding ITIs; new age courses and state implementation (Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha)
- PM-SETU: Upgradation of 1,000 ITIs and Capacity Augmentation of NSTIs for Industry-aligned Skilling
- Status of Upgradation under PM-SETU scheme
- Upgradation of ITI Infrastructure under DGT schemes (STRIVE; Model ITIs) and introduction of New Age courses
- Skill Development for Industry Needs under Skill India Mission: PMKVY 4.0, Apprenticeships, ITI Upgradation and Industry Linkages
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