PM-SETU to Transform J&K ITIs into Industry-Ready Skill Hubs

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday announced that the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme aims to transform Jammu and Kashmir’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into modern skill hubs. With an indicative investment of ₹482 crore over five years, the scheme targets equipping local youth with essential skills and providing them with quality employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Dulloo made these remarks while chairing the inaugural UT-level Steering Committee meeting to evaluate and guide the execution of PM-SETU in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting saw participation from key officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of Finance, Commissioner Secretary of Education, Secretary of the Skill Development Department, and representatives from various industrial bodies.

During the meeting, Dulloo highlighted PM-SETU as an innovative model for enhancing skill education. He stated that upgrading ITIs needs to extend beyond mere physical enhancements, fostering an industry-aligned ecosystem that empowers J&K’s youth with skills that lead to rewarding employment opportunities.

“Industry partners affiliated with PM-SETU should contribute not only in financial terms but also share technology, domain knowledge, and contemporary training practices,” Dulloo emphasized. He urged for closer collaborations among government bodies, the industry, and training institutions to develop courses and programs aligned with emerging market demands.

Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Secretary of the Skill Development Department, provided a comprehensive presentation detailing the framework, funding structure, and implementation strategy of PM-SETU. He informed the committee that the scheme anticipates an overall investment of roughly ₹482 crore in J&K over the next five years, with ₹241 crore allocated for each hub-and-spoke cluster.

The proposed initiative aims to upgrade ten Government ITIs into modern, industry-focused training centers, structured into two hub-and-spoke clusters. Each Hub ITI will serve as a central technological and resource hub for four Spoke ITIs, granting access to cutting-edge technologies, modern training facilities, incubation support, and capacity-building for trainers. This scheme aspires to attain a placement rate of 75% for trained individuals.

A principal characteristic of PM-SETU is its industry-led implementation framework. Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) will enhance industry participation in governance, course selection, technology integration, and placement activities. This mechanism ensures that the training provided remains responsive to market needs, aligning courses with current workforce requirements.

The initiative identifies key sectors for transformation, including advanced manufacturing, heavy engineering, automotive, electronics, telecommunications, and food processing, in addition to textiles, garments, construction, and other emerging industries significant for employment in J&K.

The committee learned that PM-SETU follows a tripartite funding model with contributions amounting to 74.7% from the Central Government, 8.3% from the UT Government, and 17% from Anchor Industry Partners (AIPs). The estimated costs average around ₹81 crore per Hub ITI and ₹40 crore for each Spoke ITI.

Participating companies must meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum average annual turnover of ₹200 crore over the past three fiscal years, positive net worth, and a regular workforce comprising 500 or more employees.

Concluding the meeting, Dulloo remarked that the ultimate gauge of PM-SETU’s success will hinge on its ability to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled manpower ready for industry demands. He expressed hope that this initiative would connect J&K’s youth to improved employment and entrepreneurial prospects, making skill development a cornerstone for the Union Territory’s economic advancement.