PM SETU Scheme ITIs launched with ₹60,000 crore to modernize 1,000 ITIs, enhance skill development, and improve employability for youth across India.
PM SETU Scheme Launched to Modernize 1,000 ITIs Nationwide
Introduction
On October 4, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the PM SETU Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) at the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This ambitious initiative, with a budget outlay of ₹60,000 crore, aims to modernize and upgrade 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India, including a special focus on poll-bound Bihar.
Objectives of the PM SETU Scheme
The primary objectives of the PM SETU Scheme are:
- Enhancing Infrastructure: Upgrading ITI facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and technologies.
- Curriculum Revamp: Aligning training programs with current industry standards and future skill requirements.
- Industry Collaboration: Establishing partnerships with industries to provide hands-on training and apprenticeships.
- Global Skill Alignment: Ensuring that the training provided meets international skill standards.
- Holistic Development: Promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability among youth.
Implementation Strategy
The scheme will be implemented over five years (2025–2030) and will follow a hub-and-spoke model:
- 200 Hub ITIs: These will serve as centers of excellence equipped with advanced infrastructure, innovation and incubation centers, and training facilities.
- 800 Spoke ITIs: These will be linked to hub ITIs, extending access and outreach to a broader population.
Additionally, five National Centers of Excellence (NCoEs) will be established in various locations to provide advanced trainer training and industry-relevant upskilling. These centers will focus on areas such as manufacturing, textile engineering, leather and footwear design, industrial automation, and green energy.
Expected Outcomes
The PM SETU Scheme is expected to:
- Benefit Over 2 Million Youth: By providing them with employable skills.
- Improve ITI Enrollments: By making vocational training more attractive and aligned with industry needs.
- Enhance Employability: By equipping students with skills that are in demand in the global job market.
- Promote Innovation: By fostering an environment of creativity and entrepreneurship among students.
🧭 Why This News Is Important
Relevance to Government Exams
The launch of the PM SETU Scheme is a significant development in the field of skill development and vocational training in India. Understanding this initiative is crucial for students preparing for various government exams, including those for positions in education, police, banking, railways, defense, and civil services. The scheme’s objectives, implementation strategy, and expected outcomes are pertinent topics that may be covered in the current affairs sections of these exams.
Alignment with National Development Goals
The PM SETU Scheme aligns with India’s vision of becoming a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. By focusing on skill enhancement and employability, the scheme contributes to the nation’s goal of creating a skilled, innovation-driven workforce. This is particularly relevant for civil services aspirants, as it reflects the government’s commitment to human resource development and economic growth.
Socio-Economic Impact
The scheme’s emphasis on upgrading ITIs and aligning training programs with industry needs addresses the skill gap in the Indian workforce. This is vital for students aiming for roles in sectors like banking, railways, and defense, where specialized skills are increasingly in demand. Moreover, the focus on youth empowerment and employment generation makes it a key topic for those preparing for exams related to social welfare and economic development.
🕰️ Historical Context
Evolution of ITIs in India
Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) were established in India in the 1950s to provide vocational training and technical education to the youth. Over the decades, these institutes have played a pivotal role in equipping students with skills relevant to various industries. However, with rapid technological advancements and changing industry requirements, there has been a growing need to modernize and upgrade ITIs to ensure that they continue to meet the evolving demands of the job market.
Previous Initiatives
Prior to the PM SETU Scheme, the government launched several initiatives aimed at improving vocational education and training. These include the establishment of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), and the Skill India Mission. While these programs have made significant strides in skill development, the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to modernize ITIs became evident, leading to the formulation of the PM SETU Scheme.
Significance of the PM SETU Scheme
The PM SETU Scheme represents a paradigm shift in India’s approach to vocational education. By focusing on modernizing ITIs, aligning curricula with industry needs, and fostering industry partnerships, the scheme aims to create a robust ecosystem that bridges the gap between education and employment. This initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on the nation’s skill development landscape, making it a critical topic for students preparing for government exams.
✅ Key Takeaways from “PM SETU Scheme Launched to Modernize 1,000 ITIs Nationwide”
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | The PM SETU Scheme, launched on October 4, 2025, aims to modernize 1,000 ITIs across India with a ₹60,000 crore investment. |
| 2. | The scheme follows a hub-and-spoke model, with 200 hub ITIs linked to 800 spoke ITIs, enhancing outreach and access. |
| 3. | Five National Centers of Excellence will be established to provide advanced trainer training and industry-relevant upskilling. |
| 4. | The initiative is expected to benefit over 2 million youth by providing them with employable skills aligned with industry needs. |
| 5. | The PM SETU Scheme aligns with India’s vision of becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, focusing on skill enhancement and employability. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the PM SETU Scheme?
The PM SETU Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) is a government initiative launched to modernize 1,000 ITIs across India with a budget of ₹60,000 crore. Its aim is to improve infrastructure, curriculum, and industry collaboration for skill development.
2. When was the PM SETU Scheme launched?
The scheme was launched on October 4, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
3. What is the budget allocation for the PM SETU Scheme?
The government has allocated ₹60,000 crore to modernize ITIs and establish National Centers of Excellence under this scheme.
4. What is the hub-and-spoke model under PM SETU?
The hub-and-spoke model includes 200 hub ITIs as centers of excellence linked to 800 spoke ITIs, providing advanced training, industry partnerships, and wider accessibility for students.
5. How many National Centers of Excellence will be established?
Five National Centers of Excellence will be set up under PM SETU to train instructors and provide specialized industry-aligned upskilling in sectors like manufacturing, textiles, and green energy.
6. Who will benefit from the PM SETU Scheme?
Over 2 million youth are expected to benefit, as the scheme focuses on employable skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship aligned with industry needs.
7. Why is the PM SETU Scheme important for government exam aspirants?
The scheme is relevant for exams like UPSC, PSCs, SSC, banking, railways, and defense, as it reflects government priorities in skill development, employment generation, and vocational education reforms.
8. Which sectors will the National Centers of Excellence focus on?
The NCoEs will focus on manufacturing, textile engineering, leather and footwear design, industrial automation, and green energy.
9. How long will the PM SETU Scheme be implemented?
The scheme is planned for a five-year period (2025–2030), ensuring phased modernization and skill enhancement.
10. How does PM SETU contribute to India’s development goals?
PM SETU aligns with India’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 by creating a skilled workforce, reducing the skill gap, and promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability among youth.
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