Context:
The Union Cabinet has approved a new ₹60,000 crore Industrial Training Institute (ITI) upgradation scheme aimed at improving skilling infrastructure across the country. The initiative will focus on 1,000 government ITIs, using a hub-and-spoke model in partnership with industry players.
Scheme Duration and Budget Allocation
- Announced in the Union Budget 2024–25, the scheme will run for five years.
- Funding structure:
- ₹30,000 crore from the Central Government
- ₹20,000 crore from State Governments
- ₹10,000 crore from Industry
- Co-financing: 50% of the central share will be jointly funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank.
Objectives
- Past financial support was inadequate for full ITI upgrades, especially in infrastructure and emerging trade requirements.
- This scheme introduces a need-based investment model, allowing flexible fund allocation tailored to each institution’s requirements.
National Centres of Excellence for Skilling
- Five new National Centres of Excellence will be set up in existing National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) at:
- Bhubaneswar
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Kanpur
- Ludhiana
- These will enhance trainer development and advance vocational training standards.
