Andhra Pradesh Becomes First State to Launch Industry-Led ITI Transformation Under PM-SETU

New Delhi, May 30, 2026: Andhra Pradesh has achieved a major milestone in India’s skill development landscape by becoming the first state to operationalize an industry-led partnership under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. The breakthrough comes after the National Steering Committee approved the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for the Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster.

The proposal was submitted by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) in collaboration with its academic partner, the New Age Makers Institute of Technology (NAMTECH). The approval marks the first Strategic Investment Plan sanctioned under the ambitious PM-SETU programme, which aims to modernize technical education and vocational training across the country.

The decision was taken during the third meeting of the National Steering Committee convened by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi. The approval is being viewed as a significant step toward implementing the Centre’s vision of transforming government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into industry-driven institutions that deliver employment-focused training.

The meeting was chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Debashree Mukherjee, and attended by Director General of Training Dilip Kumar, along with senior representatives from central ministries, state governments, industry bodies, and international development organizations.

Officials noted that Andhra Pradesh’s approval sets a precedent for other states by successfully onboarding an Anchor Industry Partner under the PM-SETU framework. The Visakhapatnam cluster will operate under the scheme’s Hub-and-Spoke model, designed to strengthen industry participation in curriculum design, training delivery, and institutional governance.

The National Steering Committee also reviewed the progress of PM-SETU implementation across participating states and discussed measures to enhance industry engagement, improve governance structures, ensure financial sustainability, and accelerate project execution. Particular emphasis was placed on promoting outcome-based skill development aligned with emerging industrial and technological requirements.

With an overall allocation of ₹60,000 crore, PM-SETU seeks to upgrade 1,000 government ITIs nationwide through extensive collaboration between industry and government. The initiative aims to modernize infrastructure, establish National Centres of Excellence in high-growth sectors, and equip youth with skills relevant to advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.

According to officials, 32 states and Union Territories have already established State Steering Committees, while 12 have invited industry participation through Requests for Proposals for selecting Anchor Industry Partners. Several of these processes are nearing completion, indicating strong momentum for nationwide implementation.

The Centre and state governments are working jointly to ensure rapid execution of approved projects, with additional Strategic Investment Plans expected to receive clearance in the coming months. The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in creating a future-ready workforce and supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.