Odisha Identifies 10 ITIs for PM-SETU Upgrade, Floats Bid for Industry Partner

Odisha has identified two Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters comprising two Hub ITIs and eight Spoke ITIs for modernisation under the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme, as the state advances plans to strengthen industry-linked vocational education.

The Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has also released ₹80 lakh to Odisha during the 2025-26 financial year to support the programme. Of this, ₹50 lakh has been earmarked for engaging a Project Management Consultant (PMC), while ₹30 lakh will be used for industry outreach activities. 

Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary disclosed the details in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Monday, outlining the progress made by Odisha under the flagship skilling initiative. 

The state has also floated a Request for Proposal (RfP) to select an Anchor Industry Partner (AIP), which will play a central role in implementing the industry-driven reforms envisaged under the scheme. He added that the National Steering Committee (NSC) has approved the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for the Keonjhar-Barbil cluster. 

PM-SETU seeks to improve the quality, relevance and employability outcomes of vocational education by upgrading government-run ITIs in partnership with industry. The programme carries a total financial outlay of ₹60,000 crore, comprising ₹30,000 crore from the Centre, ₹20,000 crore from states and ₹10,000 crore from industry partners. 

Under the scheme, industry-led Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) will spearhead the transformation of selected institutes. These entities will be authorised to recommend interventions such as redesigning curricula for sectors including mining and manufacturing, introducing improved training delivery models, upgrading infrastructure and expanding industry exposure, all in accordance with local industrial requirements and the scheme guidelines. 

The minister also noted that the Directorate General of Training (DGT) has introduced 32 new-age courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS). These programmes can be launched in the selected ITIs once the Anchor Industry Partner is formally onboarded. 

At the national level, the PM-SETU programme aims to upgrade 1,000 government ITIs through a hub-and-spoke model, comprising 200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs equipped with smart classrooms, modern laboratories, digital learning resources and industry-aligned courses. The scheme also includes a second component focused on expanding the capacity of five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), including the institute in Bhubaneswar, by establishing sector-specific National Centres of Excellence for advanced instructor training and curriculum development. 

The Centre’s investment in skill development has coincided with a steady expansion of the country’s ITI network. The number of Industrial Training Institutes has increased from 9,642 in 2014 to 13,856 in 2026, while enrolment has risen from 9,51,168 in the 2014-15 academic session to 14,70,277 during the 2025-26 session, according to the minister.