The Government of India is stepping up efforts to accelerate the implementation of the PM-SETU scheme, focusing on increasing industry participation, strengthening institutional governance, improving the financial sustainability of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), and speeding up project execution across the country.
During recent discussions, stakeholders emphasized the need for industry-led governance models, outcome-based skilling initiatives, and stronger collaboration among industries, State Governments, and training institutions. The objective is to ensure that India’s vocational education and training ecosystem remains responsive to emerging sectoral needs and future workforce requirements.
PM-SETU, a flagship programme of the Government of India with an outlay of ₹60,000 crore, aims to transform 1,000 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) through an industry-led Hub-and-Spoke model. The scheme seeks to modernize infrastructure, deepen industry engagement, improve employability outcomes, and establish National Centres of Excellence (NCoEs) in high-growth sectors. It is designed to create a future-ready workforce equipped with skills in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
The programme has achieved significant progress in its preparatory phase. So far, 32 States and Union Territories have constituted their State Steering Committees, while 12 States and UTs have issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to invite industry participation for selecting Anchor Industry Partners. Several of these processes are expected to conclude in the coming weeks.
A strong pipeline of consultations between State Governments and industry stakeholders is underway, with multiple rounds already completed and more scheduled in the coming weeks. The growing engagement reflects increasing alignment between industry interest and State-level preparedness.
The Centre and State Governments are working closely to ensure that preparatory achievements quickly translate into on-ground project implementation. Industry partnerships are expected to play a key role in driving large-scale transformation of ITIs across the country.
In the coming months, additional Strategic Investment Plans are expected to receive approval from the National Steering Committee, paving the way for a modern and industry-responsive vocational education and training ecosystem that supports the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
