Boosting Skill Development: Rs 320 Crore Sanctioned for Kurukshetra ITI Cluster
In a major push towards modernizing technical education and empowering youth with industry-ready skills, the central government has approved a strategic investment plan of Rs 320 crore for the Kurukshetra ITI cluster in Haryana. The initiative, cleared by the National Steering Committee under the PM-SETU scheme, aims to upgrade and transform traditional industrial training institutes into modern centers of excellence.
Under this mega project, seven government industrial training institutes will undergo comprehensive modernization. Jindal Navin Avasar Limited will work as an active industry partner alongside the Haryana government. This collaborative approach ensures that the curriculum and training methodologies directly reflect the dynamic demands of modern industries.
Hub and Spoke Model: Transforming Technical Education
The project follows a well-structured 'Hub and Spoke' model to optimize resources and maximize outreach. The Government ITI Kurukshetra will serve as the central hub equipped with advanced laboratories and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Meanwhile, six other institutes in the region, including Government Women ITI Kurukshetra, Government ITI Kaithal, and Government ITI Ambala City, will act as spoke institutes connected directly to the central hub.
Industry-Aligned Curriculum and Modern Infrastructure
Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, emphasized that bridging the gap between academia and industry is crucial for creating robust job opportunities. The Rs 320 crore funding will be utilized to build advanced labs, introduce modern courses tailored to industrial requirements, and enhance the practical exposure of trainees.
"Integrating industries with ITIs will create better employment opportunities for the youth, aligning skill development programs with actual market demands." — Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister
Broader Scope of the PM-SETU Scheme
The overall outlay of the PM-SETU scheme stands at Rs 60,000 crore, targeting the upgrade of 1,000 government ITIs across India, comprising 200 hubs and 800 spokes. With the inclusion of Kurukshetra, total approved investments under this specific framework have reached Rs 2,491 crore across ten ITI clusters nationwide, reflecting strong private sector participation.
