CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has launched a Rs 1,440-crore initiative to modernise 30 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) under the centre’s Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. The project, to be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aims to transform government ITIs into centres of excellence capable of producing industry-ready skilled workers.
The government floated tenders in June inviting industry players to serve as Anchor Industry Partners for six ITI clusters in Ambattur, Coimbatore, Thoothukudi, Madurai, Tiruchy and Hosur. Each cluster will comprise one hub ITI and four spoke ITIs, taking the total to six hub institutes and 24 spoke institutes.
Estimated at Rs 240 crore per cluster, including Rs 80 crore for the hub institute and Rs 40 crore for each spoke institute, the project seeks to upgrade infrastructure, introduce modern technologies and strengthen industry-academia collaboration.
The scheme also proposes to introduce courses in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, robotics, logistics and other advanced technologies. Sector-specific priorities have also been identified, with the Coimbatore cluster focusing on manufacturing, textiles, electronics and information technology, while the Thoothukudi cluster will cater to logistics, green energy, automobiles and IT-related sectors.
The selected industry partners will work with the government through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and will be involved in preparing development plans, upgrading infrastructure, training instructors and facilitating placements. Each hub ITI will introduce four new National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) trades and upgrade infrastructure for at least 10 existing trades, while each spoke institute will add two new NCVT trades and modernise facilities for at least eight existing trades.
The government has set performance targets including a placement rate of over 75%, a pass percentage of 90%, higher enrolment and increased participation of women and students from disadvantaged sections.
Welcoming the initiative, Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association (TANSTIA) president S Vasudevan said the scheme would benefit both industries and students.
