Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi presided over the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh and felicitated 46 All India Toppers from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
The event marked the 4th edition of the National Skill Convocation, an initiative that celebrates India’s young skilled workforce. It was launched to make skill development more aspirational and to recognize outstanding talent from ITIs.
PM-SETU: Transforming ITIs into modern skill and innovation hubs
During the event, the Prime Minister launched the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU). This ₹60,000 crore scheme aims to transform 1,000 Government ITIs into modern, industry-aligned training institutions.
PM-SETU will adopt a hub-and-spoke model, featuring 200 hub ITIs connected to 800 spoke ITIs across India. Each hub will serve as a centre of excellence, housing advanced infrastructure, innovation and incubation facilities, training of trainers (ToT) centres, and placement support systems. The spokes will expand access to training and resources in nearby regions, ensuring inclusive outreach.
The scheme focuses on:
- Introducing demand-driven courses developed in collaboration with industry partners.
- Establishing Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) with anchor industries to manage clusters and ensure outcome-based training.
- Creating flexible learning pathways for long-term diplomas, short-term skilling programs, and executive education.
- Strengthening five National Skill Training Institutes in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana; as global Centres of Excellence.
In the first phase, 15 hub-and-spoke clusters will be set up across India. These include Sonipat, Visakhapatnam, Bijnor, Meerut, Haridwar, Ujjain, Bengaluru Urban, Bharatpur, Darbhanga, Patna, Hoshiarpur, Hyderabad, Sambalpur, Chennai, and Guwahati. Each cluster will serve as a model for industry-integrated skill development.
1,200 Vocational skill labs: Skilling starts at school
The Prime Minister also virtually inaugurated 1,200 Vocational Skill Labs in 400 Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 34 States and UTs.
These labs will provide hands-on training for school students, including those from rural and tribal areas.
Training will focus on 12 high-demand sectors such as Information Technology, Automotive, Agriculture, Electronics, Logistics, BFSI, and Tourism.
Aligned with NEP 2020 and the CBSE vocational curriculum, 1,200 trained teachers will deliver industry-relevant learning. Each lab will feature modern machinery, digital tools, and simulation-based learning modules. This will help students explore career pathways early, strengthening the foundation for future-ready skills.
Prime Minister’s vision: Building a skilled and self-reliant India
In his address, PM Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the pivotal role of ITIs in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat, stating:
“ITIs are not only premier institutions of industrial education; they are also the workshops of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that ITIs are nurturing millions of young Indians with practical and employable skills. These institutes are turning learners into confident contributors to the economy.
As India moves towards a skill-based economy, ITIs will remain the bedrock of this transformation.
Also read: Telangana Unveils 65 Advanced Technology Centres to Empower Youth with Skills
A commitment to Viksit Bharat @2047
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, said:
“The Prime Minister has given a clear message to India’s youth; focus on your skills, pursue quality education, and move forward with confidence. Eleven years ago, when he created MSDE, he laid the foundation for a Viksit Bharat. With initiatives like Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh, PM-SETU, and Skill Labs, we are realizing that vision by empowering every young Indian to become self-reliant and globally competitive.”
Towards a skilled India
The PM-SETU scheme, along with the Vocational Skill Labs, underscores the Government’s unwavering commitment to transform India into a global skill hub, preparing youth for emerging opportunities both in India and abroad. These initiatives mark a major step forward in the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047, where every young Indian is equipped to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy.
