Home » Economy » India Leaps Forward in Skills Transformation: PM Modi Unveils PM-SETU and Commends ITI Scholars, Launches 1,200 School Skill Labs to Boost Education and Employment Opportunities

India Leaps Forward in Skills Transformation: PM Modi Unveils PM-SETU and Commends ITI Scholars, Launches 1,200 School Skill Labs to Boost Education and Employment Opportunities



Prime Minister Modi Unveils Major Skill Development Initiatives, Investing ₹60,000 Crore in ITI Conversion

New Delhi – In a significant push towards bolstering India’s workforce, prime Minister Modi presided over the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh in vigyan Bhawan, recognizing the achievements of 46 top students from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) nationwide. This event,marking the fourth National skill Convocation,underscores the government’s commitment to elevating Skill Development as a national aspiration.

PM-SETU: A Landmark Investment in Future Skills

The Prime Minister also launched the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU), a massive ₹60,000 crore initiative. This centrally sponsored scheme aims to modernize 1,000 Government ITIs across the country, aligning them with current industry demands. The programme will employ a Hub-and-Spoke model, with 200 Hub ITIs serving as centers of excellence connected to 800 Spoke itis, ensuring wider accessibility.

Hub ITIs will feature cutting-edge infrastructure, innovation centers, production units, and dedicated placement services. The scheme will focus on:

  • Introducing new, industry-relevant courses and revising existing curricula.
  • Establishing Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in partnership with leading industries.
  • Creating diverse learning pathways, including diplomas, short-term courses, and executive programs.
  • Elevating five National Skill Training Institutes – located in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana – to Centers of Excellence through global collaborations.

Fifteen Hub-and-Spoke clusters have been identified in the first phase, including locations such as Sonipat, Visakhapatnam, Bijnor, Meerut, haridwar, Ujjain, Bengaluru, Bharatpur, Darbhanga, Patna, Hoshiarpur, hyderabad, Sambalpur, Chennai, and Guwahati.

Expanding Vocational Training to Schools

In a parallel move to nurture talent from a young age, the Prime Minister virtually inaugurated 1,200 Vocational Skill Labs across 400 Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools in 34 states and Union Territories. These Labs will provide hands-on training in 12 high-demand sectors, including information Technology, Automotive, Agriculture, Electronics, Logistics, Banking, Finance and Insurance (BFSI), and Tourism.

Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and digital tools, these labs will adhere to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the CBSE curriculum. Over 1,200 vocational teachers have been trained to impart industry-relevant skills, fostering a skilled talent pipeline from the school level.

A Table Summarizing the Key Initiatives

Initiative Investment Focus
PM-SETU ₹60,000 Crore Transforming ITIs, Industry Alignment
Vocational Skill Labs Not Disclosed School-Level Skill Development

“ITIs are not only premier institutions of industrial education; they are also the workshops of an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” Prime Minister Modi stated during the ceremony, emphasizing the pivotal role of ITIs in building a self-reliant India and a skilled workforce for the global market.

Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and asserted that these initiatives will empower young Indians to become self-reliant and globally competitive.

Did you know? According to the national Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), India faces a skill gap of over 100 million skilled workers by 2022, making initiatives like PM-SETU crucial for economic growth. Learn more about NSDC’s work.

Pro Tip: Explore online resources like Skill India Digital (https://skillindiadigital.gov.in/) to identify relevant skill development courses and opportunities.

The Growing Importance of Skill Development in India

India’s demographic dividend presents a unique prospect, but realizing its full potential hinges on equipping its youth with relevant skills. The focus on vocational training, as seen with the PM-SETU scheme and the integration of skill labs into schools, is a strategic move to bridge the skill gap and enhance employability. This also intends to make India a global skill hub, attracting investment and fostering innovation.

Experts believe that continuous skill upgrading will be vital in facing the challenges of automation and disruptive technologies. The demand for skills like data science, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing is rapidly increasing, highlighting the need for adaptable and future-proof training programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About PM-SETU

  • What is the primary goal of the PM-SETU scheme? The scheme aims to transform 1,000 Government ITIs into modern, industry-aligned institutions.
  • How will PM-SETU benefit students? It will provide access to new courses, improved infrastructure, and enhanced placement opportunities.
  • What sectors will the Vocational Skill Labs focus on? Labs will cover 12 high-demand sectors, including IT, Automotive, Agriculture, and BFSI.
  • How does PM-SETU contribute to ‘Viksit Bharat’? It empowers young Indians with skills necessary for economic growth and global competitiveness.
  • What is the Hub-and-spoke model in PM-SETU? It involves 200 Hub ITIs supporting 800 Spoke ITIs, expanding access to quality training.

What are your thoughts on the impact of these initiatives on India’s future workforce? Do you believe that vocational training should be integrated into the school curriculum at an earlier stage?

Share your opinions in the comments below and help us continue the conversation!


How dose PM-SETU differ from previous skill development schemes in terms of funding allocation and implementation strategy?

India Leaps Forward in Skills Conversion: PM Modi Unveils PM-SETU and Commends ITI Scholars, Launches 1,200 School Skill Labs

PM-SETU: A Paradigm Shift in Skill Development Funding

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently unveiled the PM-SETU (Prime Minister’s Scheme for Technical Education and Training Upgradation), a groundbreaking initiative designed to revolutionize skills development across India. This ₹4,600 crore scheme aims to provide enhanced funding to states for upgrading their ITI (industrial Training Institutes) and establishing new skill development facilities. The core objective of PM-SETU is to address the widening skills gap and align vocational training with industry demands, fostering a future-ready workforce.

Key features of PM-SETU include:

* state-Led Implementation: States will be the primary drivers of implementation, tailoring programs to their specific regional needs.

* Focus on emerging Technologies: Funding will prioritize courses in cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotics, and advanced manufacturing.

* Industry Collaboration: Strong emphasis on partnerships with industry to ensure curriculum relevance and practical training opportunities.

* Infrastructure Upgradation: Significant investment in modernizing ITI infrastructure,including workshops,laboratories,and digital learning resources.

* Trainer Development: Programs to upskill and reskill ITI trainers, equipping them with the latest industry knowledge.

Recognizing Excellence: Commendation of ITI Scholars

Alongside the launch of PM-SETU, PM Modi lauded the achievements of ITI scholars, recognizing their crucial role in nation-building. This acknowledgement underscores the government’s commitment to elevating the status of vocational education and encouraging more students to pursue skill-based careers. The event highlighted success stories of ITI graduates who have secured employment in leading companies, demonstrating the tangible benefits of quality skills training. This focus on skill India initiatives is vital for demographic dividend realization.

1,200 School Skill Labs: Empowering the Next Generation

A pivotal component of this skills transformation is the launch of 1,200 skill labs in schools across the country. These labs, equipped with state-of-the-art tools and technology, will introduce students to various vocational trades at an early age.

The initiative aims to:

  1. Early Exposure: Provide students with hands-on experience in skills like coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, and design thinking.
  2. Career Guidance: Help students identify their aptitudes and interests, guiding them towards suitable career paths.
  3. Bridging the Gap: Reduce the stigma associated with vocational education and promote it as a viable and rewarding option.
  4. Enhancing Employability: Equip students with practical skills that are in demand in the job market, increasing their employability.
  5. Promoting Innovation: Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students.

The Impact on Key Sectors: A Deep Dive

The PM-SETU scheme and the school skill labs are expected to have a significant impact on several key sectors of the Indian economy.

* Manufacturing: A skilled workforce will boost the manufacturing sector, enabling India to become a global manufacturing hub. Make in India will receive a considerable boost.

* Information Technology: The focus on emerging technologies will strengthen India’s position as a global IT leader.

* Construction: Skilled construction workers will address the growing demand for infrastructure development.

* Tourism & Hospitality: Training in hospitality skills will enhance the quality of services in the tourism sector.

* Healthcare: skilled healthcare professionals will improve access to quality healthcare services.

Benefits of the Skills Transformation Initiative

The long-term benefits of this comprehensive skills transformation initiative are far-reaching:

* Increased Employability: A skilled workforce will have higher employment rates and better earning potential.

* Economic Growth: A productive workforce will drive economic growth and innovation.

* Reduced Poverty: Increased employment opportunities will help reduce poverty and inequality.

* Improved Quality of Life: A skilled population will enjoy a higher quality of life.

* Global Competitiveness: A skilled workforce will enhance India’s competitiveness in the global market.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

Several states have already begun implementing innovative skill development programs with promising results. Such as, the Karnataka government’s “Skill Development Corporation” has successfully trained thousands of youth in various trades, leading to significant employment gains. similarly, the Andhra Pradesh government’s “AP State Skill Development Corporation” has partnered with industry leaders to develop customized training programs that meet specific industry needs. These examples demonstrate the potential of state-led initiatives to drive skills transformation.

Practical Tips for ITI Students & Job Seekers

* Focus on Emerging Skills: Prioritize courses in high-demand areas like AI, ML, data science, and cybersecurity.

* Seek Internships: Gain practical experience through internships with leading companies.

* **Develop soft

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