Srinagar, Sep 10 (NVI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme, aimed at transforming government industrial training institutes into industry-oriented skill hubs.
Chairing the first UT-level Steering Committee meeting on the scheme, Dulloo stressed that upgradation of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) should go beyond infrastructure development and focus on providing industry-aligned training leading to quality and well-paid employment for the youth.
The meeting was informed that an indicative investment of around Rs 482 crore has been proposed over five years for the transformation of ITIs in Jammu and Kashmir.
Under the proposed framework, 10 government ITIs will be organised into two hub-and-spoke clusters, with one hub ITI in each administrative division serving as a central technology and resource centre for four spoke ITIs.
” Our objective should be to align our ITIs more closely with industry requirements so that the skills imparted translate into meaningful and high-paying employment for our youth,” Dulloo said.
He called for greater involvement of industry partners in providing advanced technology, domain expertise, modern training methods, industrial exposure and employment opportunities.
The upgraded hub ITIs will provide modern training infrastructure, access to advanced technologies, incubation facilities and capacity-building programmes for trainers. The initiative targets an institutional placement rate of 75 per cent.
Industry participation will be facilitated through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), which will have a role in institutional governance, curriculum and course selection, technology adoption, training delivery and placements.
The scheme will focus on high-growth sectors such as advanced and smart manufacturing, heavy engineering and automotive, electricals, electronics and telecom, process and food industries, textiles and garments, construction and building interiors, besides other emerging sectors with employment potential in Jammu and Kashmir.
The financial structure will follow a tripartite model, with the Centre contributing 74.7 per cent, the Jammu and Kashmir government 8.3 per cent and Anchor Industry Partners 17 per cent, according to the presentation made before the committee.
The estimated average cost has been pegged at about Rs 81 crore for each hub ITI and Rs 40 crore for each spoke ITI.
Anchor Industry Partners will be required to meet prescribed criteria, including an average annual turnover of at least Rs 200 crore during the preceding three financial years, positive net worth and a workforce of 500 or more employees.
Dulloo said the success of PM-SETU would ultimately be measured by its ability to create a steady pipeline of industry-ready skilled manpower and provide better employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to the youth.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Commissioner Secretary, Education, Secretary, Skill Development Department, Managing Director of J&K Skill Development Mission, Director, Skill Development Department and Labour Commissioner, besides representatives of industrial bodies.—(NVI)
