Government ITIs are entering a new era with the PM-Setu scheme, which will overhaul 1,000 institutes nationwide. This flagship program allocates substantial funds to create job-oriented training hubs, directly tackling youth underemployment.
The need is urgent: Official data shows over 40% of graduates lack market-relevant skills. PM-Setu deploys a multi-pronged strategy—upgrading hardware, software, and human resources—to reverse this trend.
Expectations are high for features like 5G-enabled workshops, blockchain for certifications, and AR for practical training. Tie-ups with MSMEs will customize courses, ensuring 100% alignment with local job markets.
Launched amid fanfare, the scheme has garnered endorsements from across the spectrum. Union Skill Development Minister praised it as ‘a launchpad for Viksit Bharat.’
Geographically spread, the upgrades prioritize aspirational districts and border areas, promoting balanced regional development. Annual audits and AI analytics will track ROI in terms of jobs created.
Participant testimonials paint a vivid picture. ‘From basic welding to EV assembly—this is the future,’ said a trainee from Bihar. Placement cells, powered by algorithms matching skills to vacancies, promise unprecedented efficiency.
Long-term, PM-Setu fosters innovation ecosystems within ITIs, incubating startups and R&D. By empowering women through specialized programs, it advances gender parity in technical fields.
In summary, this scheme is more than an upgrade—it’s a catalyst for economic transformation. As ITIs shine brighter, so will the prospects of India’s youth, driving the nation to new heights of self-reliance and competitiveness.