Why in News
- Fifth committee meeting: The fifth National Steering Committee of PM-SETU approved three State Implementation Plans (SIPs) worth ₹735.70 crore on 8 September 2026.
Core facts
- Full name: PM-SETU is the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs scheme.
- Administering body: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) runs it.
- Model: It uses an industry led, cluster based design. A Hub Industrial Training Institute (ITI) supports a network of Spoke ITIs.
- Cumulative investment: Approved investment now totals ₹2,171 crore across 9 ITI clusters.
- Rajasthan plan: Value ₹241 crore. Industry partner H.G. Infra Engineering Limited. Hub is Government ITI Bhiwadi. Rajasthan is the first state to execute a shareholders agreement.
- Telangana plan: Value ₹254.30 crore. Industry partner ZEN Technologies Limited. Hub is Government ITI Medchal.
- Uttar Pradesh plan: Value ₹240.40 crore. Partner is the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Hub is Government ITI Saket, Meerut.
Static Context
- Industrial Training Institutes are post school vocational training centres. They fall under the Directorate General of Training.
- The National Skill Development Corporation is a public private partnership body that funds and scales skilling.
- Demographic dividend refers to growth potential from a rising working age share of the population. Skilling converts this potential into productive employment.
Prelims angle
- Nodal ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
- Structure: Hub and Spoke ITI model, industry led clusters.
- Distinguish schemes: PM-SETU against Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and the Recognition of Prior Learning scheme.
Mains angle
- GS2 and GS3: A question can assess how industry linked ITI upgrades strengthen the link between education, skilling and employability.
Matching Previous Year Question
“[2018] With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements :
1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Final answer: (c)”
“[2023, GS2, 15 marks] Skill development programs have succeed in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyze the linkages between education, skill and employment.”
