SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has proposed an investment of around Rs 482 crore over five years to upgrade 10 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme, with a focus on industry-linked training and better employment opportunities for youth.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, who chaired the first UT-level Steering Committee meeting to review the scheme’s implementation in JK, stressed that the transformation of ITIs should extend beyond infrastructure development and focus on creating an industry-aligned skill ecosystem.
He said the upgraded institutions should equip youth with skills that match industry requirements and lead to quality and better-paid employment.
Dulloo also called for industry partners to contribute technology, technical expertise, modern training methods, industrial exposure and credible employment pathways, apart from financial participation.
He emphasised closer coordination between the government, industry and training institutions in designing courses and training programmes according to market demand.
Secretary, Skill Development Department, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, gave a detailed presentation on the proposed institutional structure, funding pattern, upgradation plan and implementation roadmap for JK.
Under the proposed model, the 10 ITIs will be organised into two hub-and-spoke clusters. One Hub ITI in each administrative division will serve as a central technology and resource centre for four Spoke ITIs.
The upgraded Hub ITIs will have advanced technology, modern training infrastructure, incubation facilities and capacity-building support for trainers. The scheme aims for an institutional placement rate of 75 per cent.
The PM-SETU framework provides for industry-led participation through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), which will facilitate industry involvement in institutional governance, course selection, technology adoption, training and placement.
The arrangement is intended to ensure that courses remain demand-driven and are periodically aligned with market trends and manpower requirements.
Priority training areas identified under the proposed transformation include advanced and smart manufacturing; heavy engineering and automotive; electrical, electronics and telecom; process industries and food processing; and textiles, garments, construction and building interiors, along with other emerging sectors with employment potential.
The funding model provides for a 74.7 per cent contribution from the Central Government, 8.3 per cent from the UT Government and 17 per cent from Anchor Industry Partners (AIPs).
The estimated cost is around Rs 81 crore for each Hub ITI and Rs 40 crore for each Spoke ITI, according to the presentation made before the committee.
Companies participating as industry partners are required to meet prescribed baseline criteria, including an average annual turnover of at least Rs 200 crore during the preceding three financial years, positive net worth and a regular workforce of at least 500 employees.
The Chief Secretary said the success of PM-SETU would ultimately be measured by its ability to create a steady pool of industry-ready skilled workers and connect JK youth with improved employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, Education; Secretary, Skill Development Department; Managing Director, JK Skill Development Mission; Director, Skill Development Department; Labour Commissioner; representatives of industrial bodies and other concerned officers.
