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The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is embarking on a transformative journey aimed at elevating India’s technical and digital training infrastructure. This initiative, announced in conjunction with the Union Budget’s “PM’s Package for Employment and Skilling,” involves a substantial investment of Rs 60,000 crore (approximately US$ 7.3 billion) to enhance and modernise Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India
MSDE organised a crucial consultation workshop with industry leaders to refine and expand the ITI ecosystem. The session, attended by representatives from over 75 prominent companies, focused on integrating industry insights into the design and delivery of ITI training programmes. This effort is part of a broader strategy to align technical education with the evolving demands of the digital and technological landscape.
Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Ministry of Education, highlighted the strategic significance of this initiative. “We are at a pivotal moment where global best practices and pathways for apprenticeships and internships are becoming increasingly accessible. This is a prime opportunity for the industry to shape training programmes that address current talent shortages. With effective governance and strategic investments, we can position India as the world’s Skill Capital.”
The consultation workshop aimed to solicit industry feedback on several key areas, including the development of new courses, the revision of existing ITI curricula, and the implementation of On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes. MSDE proposed an ambitious plan to upgrade 200 ITIs into Hubs and 800 ITIs into a Spoke model, with the Hubs designated as Centres of Excellence. This model will enable ITIs to deliver advanced, industry-relevant training, thereby addressing the technical skill needs of the modern economy.
Industry participation is essential to this initiative. Companies are expected to contribute by providing managerial support, advanced equipment, and skilled trainers. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions will also play a role in facilitating the successful execution of these upgrades. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that ITI programmes are closely aligned with industry requirements and technological advancements.
Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to innovation and public-private partnerships. “We are dedicated to co-developing a future-ready curriculum, advancing our ToT programmes, and adopting industry-led governance models. By streamlining industry engagement, we aim to address the dynamic needs of the digital economy and foster lifelong learning and skill enhancement,” he said.
The consultation also supports the government’s broader vision to skill 20 lakh (2 million) youth over the next five years and to upgrade 1,000 ITIs into the Hub and Spoke model. The workshop featured contributions from various sectors, including Electronics and IT, Textile, Power and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Construction, Automotive, and Industry Automation.
Prominent figures such as Nilambuj Sharan, Senior Economic Advisor, MSDE, Ms Trishalji Sethi, Director General for Training, MSDE, and Ms Sonal Mishra, Joint Secretary, MSDE, led sector-specific discussions to gather valuable industry input. Their insights will be instrumental in shaping the future of India’s ITI system and its alignment with industry needs.
MSDE drives India’s Skill India Mission through programmes like PMKVY and NAPS, supported by the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). With oversight via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), MSDE ensures effective implementation and industry alignment.
This concerted effort by the MSDE underscores the Indian government’s commitment to advancing its technical and digital skill infrastructure. By fostering collaboration between industry and educational institutions, India aims to enhance its position as a global leader in skill development and technological innovation, paving the way for a robust and competitive economy.
