Karnataka Minister M.B. Patil has called for industry-government synergy to drive the PM-SETU scheme, aimed at modernizing 48 ITIs across the state into advanced skill hubs.

  • The PM-SETU scheme aims to upgrade 48 ITIs in Karnataka into industry-led skill centers.
  • The Union Government is investing ₹60,000 crore to modernize 1,000 ITIs nationwide.
  • A hub-and-spoke model will be used, with Bengaluru Urban and Kalaburagi as primary hubs.
  • Companies with ₹500Cr+ turnover and 1,000+ employees are eligible for participation via CSR.

Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil has emphasized the necessity of active collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the success of the PM-SETU scheme (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs). The initiative is designed to transform 48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Karnataka into state-of-the-art, industry-aligned skill development centers.

The Hub-and-Spoke Implementation Model

Skill Development Minister Sharan Prakash Patil detailed that the scheme will operate on a 'hub-and-spoke' model. In this framework, each central 'hub' will be supported by four 'spoke' institutions. Currently, 12 hubs and 48 ITIs have been identified across the state. For instance, in the Bengaluru Urban district, Peenya ITI has been designated as the hub, with the Tumakuru Road, Domlur, Hosur Road, and Devanahalli ITIs serving as the spokes.

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Regional Focus: North Karnataka

The expansion also reaches North Karnataka, where the Kalaburagi Government ITI for Boys will function as the primary hub. It will oversee the training frameworks for the Sedam, Afzalpur, Jewargi, and Kalaburagi Government ITI for Women institutions. This strategic distribution ensures that industrial skill development is not centralized in a single region but spread across vital economic zones.

Industry Integration and CSR Opportunities

To manage this massive undertaking, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be established, including six industry representatives. This allows corporations to play a direct role in shaping the workforce of the future. Companies with an annual turnover of at least ₹500 crore and a workforce exceeding 1,000 employees are eligible to participate through their CSR divisions or foundations.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this scheme addresses the critical 'skills gap' that often hinders industrial growth. By allowing companies to help design the curriculum and training frameworks, the government ensures that the education provided is directly applicable to real-world industrial requirements, effectively reducing post-training unemployment.

Industry-led curriculum design is the most effective way to bridge the gap between academic learning and industrial productivity.

The financial structure of the scheme involves a tripartite contribution: the Union Government is allocating ₹112 crore, the State Government ₹98 crore, and the industrial sector is expected to contribute ₹31 crore. Furthermore, Minister Patil invited industries to adopt any of the 270 government-run ITIs across Karnataka to further enhance their capabilities.

Did You Know?: The PM-SETU scheme is part of a massive nationwide mission to modernize 1,000 ITIs with a total budget of ₹60,000 crore.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary goal of the PM-SETU scheme?
The goal is to modernize ITIs through industry-led training, making them advanced centers for skill development and employability.

2. How can a company participate in this initiative?
Large companies (₹500Cr+ turnover) can participate through their CSR wings or by joining the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to influence curriculum design.