MSDE Hosts National Conference of Skill Secretaries for PRAGATI Review Preparation
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship convened a National Conference of Skill Secretaries on September 24, 2026, to assess the implementation of two key initiatives: PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation Through Upgraded ITIs) and NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme). The meeting was held in preparation for the forthcoming PRAGATI review scheduled under the chairpersonship of the Prime Minister on September 30, 2026, with focus on strengthening Centre-State coordination, accelerating implementation, and resolving operational bottlenecks for both flagship schemes.
PM-SETU Implementation Progress
The session on PM-SETU reviewed progress achieved by States and Union Territories across critical implementation milestones. Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) for 10 clusters across seven States have been approved, entailing a cumulative project outlay of approximately ₹2,493 crore. All 36 States and Union Territories have identified clusters and created dedicated State budget heads, while 35 have constituted State Steering Committees to oversee the implementation process.
NAPS Performance Metrics and Outcomes
The NAPS session highlighted the expansion of apprenticeship training as an industry-linked pathway combining theoretical learning with structured on-the-job experience. From FY 2022-23 to September 22, 2026, the program has engaged 44.75 lakh apprentices across 47,452 active establishments. Women's participation increased significantly from 20.19% to 27.52%, while the share of MSMEs rose from 44.84% to 45.81%. A third-party evaluation indicated strong outcomes: 72% of apprentices received job offers, 53.7% completed training, and 96% reported access to safety equipment. State and Union Territory performance was reviewed across multiple parameters including establishment activation, apprenticeship engagement, contract approvals, training completion, assessment, certification, and institutional governance.
Official Statements and Strategic Direction
Shri Jagannath Chattopadhyay, Minister-in-charge of Higher Education Department and Technical Education, Training and Skill Development Department, Government of West Bengal, emphasized that the inclusion of PM-SETU and NAPS under PRAGATI underscores the government's resolve to translate policy into measurable outcomes. Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of MSDE, stressed the importance of peer learning among States, sustained industry engagement, and responsive implementation. She highlighted that PM-SETU's public-private partnership model requires continuous dialogue and mutual trust between government and industry to resolve challenges timely, while also emphasizing the institutionalization and annual review of district and State skill development plans to align with hyperlocal economic opportunities.
The meeting brought together senior officials of MSDE, State and Union Territory Governments, establishments, and other stakeholders, providing a platform to share implementation challenges, emerging opportunities, and replicable practices. The Ministry reiterated the importance of time-bound action, stronger institutional coordination, and sustained industry participation to accelerate outcomes under both initiatives, with inputs contributing to the forthcoming PRAGATI deliberations and supporting a coordinated roadmap for strengthening ITIs and expanding apprenticeship opportunities aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision.