PM-SETU Scheme: Enhancement of Vocational Training
The Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme aims to enhance the overall quality and relevance of vocational training in India by upgrading labs, machines, and curriculum to align with industry standards. The key objectives include improving training delivery in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), modernizing infrastructure and equipment, introducing industry-aligned long-term and short-term courses in emerging sectors, strengthening industry linkages for demand-driven skilling and better employment outcomes, and enhancing the capacity of NSTIs for training of trainers.
The scheme comprises two components: Component I involves the upgradation of 1,000 Government ITIs in a Hub and Spoke model, with 200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs, featuring smart classrooms, modern labs, digital content, and new courses aligned to industry needs. Component II focuses on capacity augmentation of five NSTIs located in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana, including setting up sector-specific National Centres of Excellence for skilling with global partnerships and advanced training of trainers.
The National Steering Committee (NSC) has approved six Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) submitted by Anchor Industry Partners (AIPs), with three clusters in Telangana, one in Andhra Pradesh, one in Odisha, and one in Gujarat. The approved clusters are detailed in Annexure I: Visakhapatnam Cluster in Andhra Pradesh with Hub ITI at Government ITI, Kancharapalem, and Spoke ITIs at Government ITI (Women), Vishakhapatnam; Government ITI, Bobbili; and Government ITI, Narsipatanam. Keonihar-Barbil Cluster in Odisha with Hub ITI at Government ITI, Barbil, and Spoke ITIs at Government ITI Anandapur, Government ITI Koira, Government ITI Karanjia, and Government ITI Barkote. Surat Cluster in Gujarat with Hub ITI at Government ITI, Surat, and Spoke ITIs at Government ITI, Surat (Women); Government ITI, Hajira; Government ITI, Bardoli; and Government ITI (Women), Sachin. Old City Cluster in Telangana with Hub ITI at Government ITI, Old City, and Spoke ITIs at Government ITI Warangal, Government ITI (Boys), Nalgonda; Government ITI Vikarabad; and Government ITI Panjaguda. Patancheru Cluster in Telangana with Hub ITI at Government ITI, Patancheru, and Spoke ITIs at Government ITI Nalgonda (New); Government ITI Marpally; Government ITI Bhongir; and Government ITI Shadnagar. Sangareddy Cluster in Telangana with Hub ITI at Government ITI, Sangareddy, and Spoke ITIs at Government ITI Hathnoora; Government ITI Medak; Government ITI Yellareddy; and Government ITI Dubbaka.
Selection criteria for Government ITIs to be included in a cluster are decided by States/Union Territories in consultation with industries, ensuring alignment with emerging skill needs, local industrial potential, and collaborative ownership. Industry-led Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) will lead the upgradation, proposing interventions in curriculum redesign, training delivery models, infrastructure upgradation, industry exposure, and placement or self-employment facilitation, in alignment with local industry needs and scheme guidelines.
Implementation is overseen by a National Steering Committee (NSC) comprising representatives of the Central Government, State Governments, and industry partners, providing overall policy guidance. State Steering Committees (SSCs) chaired by the Chief Secretary of the respective State/UT monitor progress at the state level, with periodic monitoring, performance reviews, and third-party impact assessment to ensure effective implementation.
Under the Skill India Mission, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship supports the automobile sector through various initiatives. As of June 30, 2026, under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), 472,880 candidates have been trained/oriented in automotive sector job roles, with 362,932 certified. Under National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) 2.0, 893,134 apprentices have been trained in the Automotive sector and 99,244 in the Automobile sector. Apprenticeship opportunities are available through Designated Trades and Optional Trades, facilitated via the National Apprenticeship Portal and awareness initiatives like Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAMs). Under Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), 56,930 candidates have been trained from FY 2018-19 to June 2026 in automotive job roles such as Helper-Two/Three-Wheeler Mechanic and Automotive Maintenance Technician. Under Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), 1,282,285 candidates were enrolled from 2014 to 2025 in automotive job roles including Mechanic Diesel, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), and Mechanic Electric Vehicle.
The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has introduced 32 new age courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), detailed in Annexure II, including Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Technician, Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant, Drone Pilot (Junior), Drone Technician, Mechanic Electric Vehicle, Semiconductor Technician, Solar Technician (Electrical), and 5G Network Technician, among others focused on emerging technologies.
This information was provided by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.