The National Steering Committee (NSC) of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has approved a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) worth ₹320 crore for the Kurukshetra ITI Cluster in Haryana under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. Jindal Naveen Avsar Limited will partner with the Government of Haryana as the Anchor Industry Partner for the cluster.

With this approval, the cumulative investment sanctioned under PM-SETU has risen to ₹2,491 crore across 10 ITI clusters, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to transforming Industrial Training Institutes into industry-led, future-ready centres of excellence that are aligned with evolving workforce requirements.

The approval marks another significant step towards strengthening the industry-led transformation of Government Industrial Training Institutes and creating a more demand-driven vocational training ecosystem.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said: "Bringing industry closer to ITIs will create stronger employment pathways for our youth. The approval of the Kurukshetra cluster under PM-SETU reflects our commitment to making skill development more relevant, aspirational and responsive to the changing needs of industry. Through strong industry partnerships, we are working to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills, exposure and opportunities required to participate meaningfully in India's growth story”.

One Hub and Six Spoke ITIs to be Transformed

The Kurukshetra cluster will be developed under the Hub-and-Spoke model envisaged under PM-SETU and will comprise seven Government ITIs.

Government ITI, Kurukshetra will serve as the Hub ITI, while the following institutes will function as Spoke ITIs:

• Government ITI (Women), Kurukshetra
• Government ITI, Kaithal
• Government ITI (Women), Kaithal
• Government ITI, Pehowa
• Government ITI, Pabnawa
• Government ITI (Women), Ambala City

The ₹320 crore investment will support the development of an integrated and industry-responsive skilling ecosystem across the cluster. The proposed interventions will focus on strengthening infrastructure, modernising training facilities, introducing industry-aligned courses, and enhancing employability outcomes for trainees.

Strengthening Industry-ITI Linkages

Under PM-SETU, industry partners play a central role in shaping the transformation of ITIs through curriculum development, infrastructure enhancement, training delivery, faculty engagement, apprenticeships, industry exposure and placement support. The scheme aims to ensure that vocational training remains aligned with emerging technologies and evolving labour market demands.

As the Anchor Industry Partner, Jindal Naveen Avsar Limited will work closely with the Government of Haryana and the participating ITIs to strengthen industry linkages and improve student access to practical training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities. The company is already associated with the Barbil ITI Cluster in Odisha, where a Strategic Investment Plan of ₹240 crore has been approved under PM-SETU. Its participation in both clusters reflects growing industry confidence in the scheme's vision of industry-led skilling transformation.

About PM-SETU

PM-SETU is a flagship Government of India initiative aimed at enhancing the quality, relevance and outcomes of vocational training through modern infrastructure, upgraded laboratories and equipment, industry-aligned curricula, introduction of courses in emerging sectors, and stronger industry partnerships.

The scheme has a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore and envisages the upgradation of 1,000 Government ITIs through an industry-led Hub-and-Spoke model, comprising 200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs across the country.

In addition, the scheme provides for capacity augmentation of five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), including the establishment of sector-specific National Centres of Excellence and the strengthening of training-of-trainers capabilities, thereby supporting the creation of a robust and future-ready skilling ecosystem.

 

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