The programme aims to transform selected ITIs into full-fledged skill development hubs to enhance students’ employability and encourage entrepreneurship. In its first phase, the scheme will be launched in three districts: Pune, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Mangal Prabhat Lodha, state minister for skill development, employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation, stated that the initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for sustainable development and modernieation of vocational education. The decision was finalised during a cabinet meeting last week. Under the PM Setu scheme, ITIs will be upgraded using a “hub-and-spoke” model. “In Pune district, the Aundh ITI will be developed as the primary hub, while the girls’ ITI at Aundh and the ITIs at Khed-Rajgurunagar and Mulshi will serve as spoke centers,” Lodha said. “Students at these institutes will gain access to advanced machinery, improved laboratories, digital classrooms, and updated training modules. This will allow them to gain practical experience on equipment identical to that used in modern factories and service sectors.” The initiative also includes a significant overhaul of the curriculum. Each “hub” ITI will introduce four new courses and upgrade 10 existing ones. Meanwhile, “spoke” ITIs will launch two new courses and modernise eight current offerings. In regions with limited industrial presence, the curriculum will focus on the service sector, multi-skilling, and livelihood training to empower students to find local employment or start their own ventures. The project is a collaborative financial effort between the central govt, state govt, and industry partners. “The Union govt will contribute 50% of the funds, the state will provide 33%, and private industry partners will cover the remaining 17%,” a department official noted. The estimated cost for one cluster (comprising one hub and four spoke ITIs) is approximately Rs241 crore over five years. The state govt has already approved its share of Rs98 crore for the initial five-year period. The scheme is set for a phased implementation starting next year, with plans to expand to more districts in the future. The move has been welcomed by the student community, who anticipate better access to apprenticeships and campus placements. Vishal Salvi, an ITI student in Pune, expressed optimism about the changes. “With industry-linked courses and modern infrastructure, we will be better prepared for roles in manufacturing and emerging sectors. Our campuses have needed this upgrade for a long time, and these new facilities will help us stay competitive in the job market,” he said.
