Jindal, ArcelorMittal, Apollo Med-Skills among partners who come forward to Anchor ₹ 1,237.58 Crore ITI Transformation as PM-SETU Goes Nationwide Across Odisha, Gujarat and Telangana

Why in news

The 4th National Steering Committee (NSC) of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) approved its transition from a pilot phase to a nationwide rollout across 200 identified ITI clusters. It also approved Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) led by industry partners.

Exam relevance

GS2, GS3 · Governance, Economy, Society · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. PM-SETU stands for Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs.
2. The 4th National Steering Committee (NSC) approved the transition of PM-SETU from its pilot phase to a nationwide rollout.
3. The scheme will be rolled out across 200 identified ITI clusters.
4. States and Union Territories are enabled to take up implementation based on industry readiness and implementation capacity.
5. Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) were approved, led by industry partners such as Jindal in Odisha, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel in Gujarat, and Apollo MedSkills and others in Telangana.
6. Measures approved include simplifying implementation, enhancing industry participation, encouraging greater involvement of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and expanding the institutional ecosystem supporting PM-SETU implementation.
7. The NSC meeting was held under the chairpersonship of Ms Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

Prelims pointers

• PM-SETU: Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs.
• Nodal Ministry for PM-SETU: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Scope of PM-SETU rollout: Nationwide across 200 identified ITI clusters.
• Key feature: Involvement of industry partners (e.g., Jindal, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel, Apollo MedSkills) in Strategic Investment Plans.

Mains practice question

Critically analyze the role of industry participation in government-led skill development initiatives like PM-SETU. What challenges might arise in ensuring effective collaboration and how can they be addressed?

Static linkage

The news relates to India's broader skill development ecosystem, the role of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in vocational training, and government initiatives aimed at enhancing employability and bridging the skill gap in various sectors. It connects to the National Skill Development Mission and the emphasis on industry-academia collaboration for demand-driven skilling.

Significance

The nationwide rollout of PM-SETU is significant for boosting skill development across India by upgrading ITIs. It strengthens industry-academia linkages through Strategic Investment Plans, ensuring that training aligns with industry demands and enhances the employability of the workforce. This initiative can contribute to economic growth by providing a skilled labor force, reducing unemployment, and fostering a more competitive manufacturing and services sector.