SRINAGAR: The number of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Jammu and Kashmir has increased by 60 per cent since 2014, while their combined seating capacity has more than tripled, the Centre informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, outlining a nationwide plan to modernise vocational education through a Rs 60,000-crore investment under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme.
Replying to an unstarred question in the Upper House, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary said Jammu and Kashmir now has 56 ITIs, up from 35 in 2014. During the same period, seating capacity has increased from 3,776 to 12,432, significantly expanding opportunities for skill training in the Union Territory.
The Minister said the nationwide expansion has taken the number of ITIs from 9,642 in 2014 to 13,856 in 2026, while overall seating capacity has risen from 17.43 lakh to over 20.07 lakh.
To further strengthen the vocational training ecosystem, the Government has launched the PM-SETU scheme with a total financial outlay of Rs 60,000 crore, including a Central share of Rs 30,000 crore, State share of Rs 20,000 crore and industry contribution of Rs 10,000 crore.
According to the reply, the flagship scheme envisages the upgradation of 1,000 Government ITIs through a hub-and-spoke model comprising 200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs. The upgraded institutes will be equipped with smart classrooms, modern laboratories, digital learning content and industry-aligned courses to improve the employability of trainees.
The scheme also provides for the expansion of five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur and Ludhiana, where sector-specific National Centres of Excellence will be established to enhance instructor training, curriculum development and international collaboration.
The Minister informed Parliament that the selection of ITIs under the PM-SETU scheme will be carried out by State and Union Territory Governments in consultation with industry partners, ensuring that the institutions are aligned with local industrial requirements and emerging employment opportunities.
He added that industry-led Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) will play a central role in redesigning curricula, upgrading infrastructure, strengthening training delivery and increasing industry exposure in accordance with regional economic needs.
In a move aimed at preparing youth for emerging technologies, the Directorate General of Training (DGT) has introduced 32 new-age trades under the Craftsmen Training Scheme. These include Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant, Cyber Security Assistant, Drone Pilot, Drone Technician, Semiconductor Technician, Green Hydrogen Production Technician, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Technician, Industrial Robotics and Digital Manufacturing, Mechanic Electric Vehicle, 5G Network Technician, Software Testing Assistant, Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Technician and Nuclear Power Plant Technician.
The reply also noted that neighbouring Ladakh has witnessed an increase in ITIs from two to three, while seating capacity has expanded from 88 to 712.
The information was provided in response to a question raised by Rajya Sabha members Dr Parmar Jashvantsinh Salamsinh and Shri Ryaga Krishnaiah.
