Rollout of the PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) scheme gained momentum as the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) held a major industry consultation in Pune on 19 January 2026. The consultation was organised at the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA) and was led by Ms Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, and Ms Manisha Verma, Additional Chief Secretary, Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Department, Government of Maharashtra.
Over 40 companies from sectors such as automotive, construction, textiles, FMCG, electronics, oil and gas and renewable energy participated in the deliberations. Leading industry players including Mahindra, Tata Group, Tata Motors, Bharat Electronics, Godrej and Fiat were present. Discussions focused on the hub-and-spoke ITI model, industry-led governance through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), curriculum modernisation, trainer upskilling and strengthening employment outcomes.
Addressing the consultation, Ms Debashree Mukherjee emphasised that PM-SETU is aimed at making ITIs more industry-relevant, aspirational and outcome-driven. She noted that the transformation would go beyond infrastructure upgrades to focus on training quality, modern pedagogy, trainer performance and measurable placement outcomes. She highlighted the benefits for industry, including access to a steady pipeline of job-ready trainees, reduced recruitment costs and improved access to modern training facilities.
Ms Manisha Verma reaffirmed the Government of Maharashtra’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for industry participation. She stated that the State would facilitate implementation through close coordination with stakeholders, ensuring ITIs emerge as high-quality skill institutions with strong industry linkages.
Industry representatives expressed strong interest in the collaborative framework of PM-SETU, highlighting opportunities for curriculum co-creation, governance participation and alignment with CSR and ESG goals. Field visits to ITIs in Pune and Fronius India Pvt. Ltd., Bhosari, provided participants practical insights into industry-integrated skilling models.
Launched in October 2025 with an outlay of ₹60,000 crore over five years, PM-SETU aims to transform ITIs into government-owned but industry-managed institutions, aligned with India’s growth sectors and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
