Srinagar, Sep 10 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on thursday said the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme will transform industrial training institutes (ITIs) into modern, industry-oriented skill hubs and help create better employment opportunities for youth.

Dulloo made the remarks while chairing the first UT-level steering committee meeting to review the implementation of the PM-SETU scheme in Jammu and Kashmir.

He stressed that the upgradation of ITIs should go beyond physical infrastructure and focus on developing an industry-aligned ecosystem that equips youth with skills relevant to quality and high-paying jobs.

The Chief Secretary said industry partners should contribute not only financially but also bring technology, domain expertise, modern training practices, exposure to industrial processes and credible employment opportunities for trained youth.

“Our objective should be to align our ITIs more closely with industry requirements so that the skills imparted translate into meaningful and high-paying employment for our youth,” he said, calling for closer coordination between the government, industry and training institutions.

Secretary, Skill Development Department, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, gave a detailed presentation on the proposed institutional architecture, funding pattern, upgradation plan and implementation roadmap under PM-SETU.

The scheme envisages an indicative investment of around Rs 482 crore over five years in Jammu and Kashmir, with Rs 241 crore earmarked for each hub-and-spoke cluster.

Under the proposed model, 10 government ITIs will be upgraded into modern, industry-oriented institutions and organised into two hub-and-spoke clusters.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelOne hub ITI in each administrative division will serve as a central technology and resource centre for four spoke ITIs.

The upgraded institutions will provide access to advanced technologies, modern training infrastructure, incubation facilities and capacity-building support for trainers. The scheme targets an institutional placement rate of 75 per cent.

A key feature of PM-SETU is its industry-led implementation framework, with Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) facilitating industry participation in institutional governance, course selection, technology adoption, training and placement.

The training programmes will be demand-driven, with courses periodically aligned with market trends and manpower requirements.

Priority training areas include advanced and smart manufacturing, heavy engineering and automotive, electricals, electronics and telecom, process industries and food processing, textiles and garments, construction and building interiors, besides other emerging sectors.

The financial architecture of the scheme follows a tripartite contribution model, with 74.7 per cent from the Centre, 8.3 per cent from the UT government and 17 per cent from anchor industry partners.

The average estimated cost is around Rs 81 crore for each hub ITI and Rs 40 crore for each spoke ITI.

The meeting was attended by senior officers from the Finance, Education, Skill Development, Labour and other departments, besides representatives of industrial bodies.

Dulloo said the real measure of PM-SETU's success would be its ability to create a steady pipeline of industry-ready skilled manpower and connect J&K youth with better employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.(KNS)