PIB approves ₹1,194.92 crore for five ITI clusters across three states and UTs; Jammu and Srinagar projects to modernise technical training and boost youth employability
The Union Government has approved a combined investment of ₹475.41 crore for upgrading Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters in Jammu and Srinagar under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. The investment is part of a larger ₹1,194.92 crore package approved for five ITI clusters across Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir.
The approvals were granted at the sixth meeting of the National Steering Committee (NSC), chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), on October 16, 2026.
With these latest approvals, the cumulative investment sanctioned under PM-SETU has reached ₹3,687 crore, marking a significant step towards modernising India’s technical and vocational training infrastructure.
₹240 Crore Approved for Jammu ITI Cluster
The National Steering Committee has approved a Strategic Investment Plan worth ₹240 crore for the Jammu ITI Cluster, which will be upgraded in partnership with Eagle Infra India Limited.
Government ITI Jammu will serve as the hub institution, supported by four spoke institutes: Government ITI R.S. Pura, Government ITI Nowshera, Government ITI Samba and Government ITI Kathua.
The project is aimed at strengthening training infrastructure, introducing industry-aligned courses, improving practical learning facilities and establishing closer links between technical institutions and employers.
The initiative is expected to help students acquire relevant skills and improve their preparedness for employment opportunities in emerging and established industries.
Srinagar ITI Cluster to Receive ₹235.41 Crore
The Srinagar ITI Cluster has been sanctioned ₹235.41 crore under a partnership with Inderdeep Infra India Limited.
Government ITI Srinagar will function as the hub, with Government ITI Ganderbal, Government ITI Kangan, Government ITI Budgam and Government ITI Charar-i-Sharief serving as the spoke institutions.
The investment will support infrastructure modernisation, industry-oriented training programmes, instructor development and stronger industry engagement. The initiative seeks to make vocational education more responsive to changing technological requirements and labour-market demand.
Together, the Jammu and Srinagar projects will cover 10 government ITIs across the Union Territory, creating opportunities to strengthen technical education and vocational training for young people in different districts.
Five ITI Clusters Approved Across Three States and UTs
Apart from Jammu and Srinagar, the National Steering Committee approved three other Strategic Investment Plans under PM-SETU.
The Kataka ITI Cluster in Odisha received ₹240.50 crore, with Tata Steel Foundation as the industry partner. The cluster comprises Government ITI Kataka as the hub and government ITIs at Choudwar, Paradeep, Jajpur and Dhenkanal as spoke institutions.
In Maharashtra, the Pune ITI Cluster received an approval of ₹241 crore. The project will be implemented by BVG India Limited in consortium with BVG Foundation. Government ITI Aundh, Pune, will serve as the hub, supported by government ITIs at Aundh (Women), Pimpri Chinchwad, Khed (Rajgurunagar) and Mulshi.
The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ITI Cluster in Maharashtra was sanctioned ₹238.01 crore in partnership with Belrise Industries Limited. Government ITI Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will serve as the hub, with government ITIs at Paithan, Khultabad, Phulambri and Gangapur as spokes.
The five approved projects will be implemented through partnerships involving state governments, participating ITIs and industry partners.
Focus on Modern Skills and Employment Opportunities
Under PM-SETU, the government aims to transform Industrial Training Institutes into modern, industry-aligned institutions equipped to meet evolving skill requirements. The approved plans will focus on upgrading infrastructure, introducing new-age training programmes, strengthening trainers’ capabilities and expanding engagement with industry.
Chairing the meeting, Debashree Mukherjee said the approvals would help strengthen ITIs, improve training quality and increase industry participation. She encouraged the clusters to work towards ISO certification and incorporate at least one WorldSkills-aligned trade or competency area into their approved implementation plans.
She also highlighted the encouraging progress made by Jammu and Kashmir in strengthening its skilling ecosystem and expanding opportunities for young people.
3,744 Trainers Trained Under PM-SETU
The National Steering Committee also reviewed progress under Component II of PM-SETU, which focuses on Training of Trainers (ToT). The component aims to develop a pool of industry-ready instructors equipped with contemporary technical knowledge and modern teaching competencies.
According to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 3,744 trainers had been trained under the programme through National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) as of October 2026.
The latest approvals are expected to strengthen the connection between vocational education and industry requirements. For Jammu and Kashmir, the investments in Jammu and Srinagar offer an opportunity to modernise technical training facilities, improve the quality of skill development and prepare more young people for employment in a changing industrial and economic environment.
The success of the initiative will depend on effective implementation, sustained industry participation and training programmes that translate into practical skills and better employment outcomes for students.
