New Delhi: 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 increased to ₹2,491 crore across 10 ITI clusters, marking another step towards transforming Government Industrial Training Institutes into industry-led, modern and future-ready centres of excellence aligned with changing workforce requirements.
Seven Government ITIs to Be Upgraded
The Kurukshetra cluster will follow the Hub-and-Spoke model envisaged under PM-SETU and will comprise seven Government ITIs.
Government ITI, Kurukshetra will function as the Hub ITI, while six institutes will serve 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. Planned interventions include infrastructure strengthening, modernisation of training facilities, introduction of industry-aligned courses and measures to improve employability outcomes for trainees.
Jayant Chaudhary Highlights Stronger Industry-ITI Connect
Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said that bringing industry closer to ITIs would create stronger employment pathways for young people.
He said the approval of the Kurukshetra cluster reflects the Government’s commitment to making skill development more relevant, aspirational and responsive to changing industry requirements.
He further emphasised that stronger industry partnerships would help equip young people with the skills, practical exposure and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in India’s growth journey.
Industry Partnership at the Core of PM-SETU
Under PM-SETU, industry partners have a key role in the transformation of ITIs, including curriculum development, infrastructure enhancement, training delivery, faculty engagement, apprenticeships, industry exposure and placement support.
As the Anchor Industry Partner, Jindal Naveen Avsar Limited will work with the Government of Haryana and participating ITIs to strengthen industry linkages and expand opportunities for practical training, apprenticeships and employment.
The company is also associated with the Barbil ITI Cluster in Odisha, for which a ₹240 crore Strategic Investment Plan has been approved under PM-SETU. Its participation in both clusters indicates the expanding role of industry partnerships in the scheme’s approach to vocational training transformation.
PM-SETU: Upgrading 1,000 Government ITIs
PM-SETU is a flagship Government of India initiative focused on improving the quality, relevance and outcomes of vocational training through modern infrastructure, upgraded laboratories and equipment, industry-aligned curricula and courses in emerging sectors.
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.
The scheme also provides for capacity augmentation of five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), including sector-specific National Centres of Excellence and strengthened training-of-trainers capabilities.
The Kurukshetra cluster approval further expands the PM-SETU network and seeks to create a demand-driven, industry-responsive and future-ready vocational training ecosystem for India’s youth.