India’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have played a critical role in preparing skilled manpower for the country’s economy. As industries evolve with automation, digital technologies, green energy and advanced manufacturing, the need to strengthen and modernize the ITI ecosystem has become increasingly important.
In this context, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched SARTHI – Strategic Advisory and Reforms Taskforce for Holistic ITI Transformation. The first meeting of the taskforce, chaired by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, marks an important step toward building a stronger and more future-ready vocational training ecosystem.
What is SARTHI?
India has more than 15,000 ITIs serving millions of learners across the country. While many institutions have adopted innovative practices and industry-linked training models, the quality of infrastructure, industry engagement, learner outcomes and institutional performance varies significantly.
SARTHI has been established as an apex advisory platform under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) to bring together policymakers, state governments, industry stakeholders, training institutions and experts to support long-term reforms in the ITI ecosystem.
The objective is not only to improve vocational training delivery but also to ensure that ITIs remain relevant to changing industry requirements and career aspirations of young people.
Moving beyond infrastructure to outcomes
Discussions during the first SARTHI meeting highlighted several areas that are central to the future of technical and vocational education.
These include:
- Strengthening institutional quality and performance
- Improving assessment systems and certification processes
- Leveraging technology for better governance and transparency
- Enhancing learner engagement and learning outcomes
- Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
- Expanding industry participation in training delivery
- Improving pathways between education, skilling and employment
- Increasing access to vocational education for women
- Exploring innovative delivery models to reach more learners
The focus reflects a broader shift from measuring inputs such as infrastructure and enrolments toward evaluating outcomes such as employability, industry relevance and career progression.
Building stronger industry connections
One of the recurring themes in discussions around ITI transformation is the importance of industry partnerships.
As sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, drones, advanced manufacturing, industrial automation and digital technologies continue to grow, training institutions need stronger links with employers to keep curricula, equipment and training practices up to date.
Industry engagement can support:
- Curriculum modernization
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Faculty development
- Access to modern equipment and technology
- Placement and career pathways for learners
The success of ITI transformation will depend on how effectively industry becomes a partner in workforce development rather than simply an end-user of trained talent.
Making vocational education more aspirational
For many years, vocational education has often been viewed as an alternative pathway rather than a first-choice option. However, changing industry demands and emerging career opportunities are creating new possibilities for skilled professionals.
Making ITIs more aspirational requires:
- Modern training facilities
- Exposure to emerging technologies
- Clear progression pathways
- Strong employment outcomes
- Better communication of success stories
- Opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-employment
Initiatives such as SARTHI can help create a common vision for positioning vocational education as a pathway to rewarding careers and lifelong learning.
Collaboration between centre and states
A notable feature of the inaugural meeting was the participation of ministers and officials from multiple states. Since vocational training is implemented through extensive collaboration between the Centre and State Governments, reform efforts require continuous dialogue and shared learning.
SARTHI provides a platform where successful models, innovations and best practices from different states can be discussed, adapted and scaled across the country.
This collaborative approach can help accelerate improvements while ensuring that reforms remain responsive to local industry needs and workforce requirements.
Also read: PM-SETU Milestone: Andhra Pradesh Leads Industry-Led ITI Reform
The road ahead
India’s ambition of becoming a global hub for manufacturing, services, innovation and entrepreneurship will require a skilled workforce equipped for rapidly changing technologies and job roles.
The launch of SARTHI signals a renewed focus on strengthening the foundations of vocational education through evidence-based policy discussions, stakeholder collaboration and outcome-driven reforms.
As the taskforce continues its work, its success will be measured by how effectively these discussions translate into improvements on the ground; better learning experiences, stronger industry partnerships, enhanced employability and greater opportunities for millions of young people pursuing technical and vocational education through India’s ITIs.
The future of skilling in India depends not only on expanding access but also on ensuring quality, relevance and aspirations. SARTHI has the potential to become an important platform in shaping that future.
