Mumbai : The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra, will hold a major industry consultation in Pune as part of the rollout of PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs)—a landmark initiative announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat, aimed at building a future-ready, globally competitive workforce. The consultation, being organised at the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA), is intended to mobilise industry participation and build awareness about the scheme’s industry-led implementation framework. Over 50 eligible companies will participate, representing sectors such as construction, textiles, automotive, FMCG, electronics, oil and gas, and renewable energy. MS. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India will preside over the consultation along with Ms. Manisha Verma, Additional Chief Secretary, Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Department, Government of Maharashtra and will also visit ITIs and industries in the region.

PM-SETU seeks to modernise 1,000 Government ITIs across the country through a hub-and-spoke approach, with 200 hub ITIs supported for advanced infrastructure and modern training facilities, and 800 spoke ITIs extending training reach across districts. The scheme positions ITIs as government-owned but industry-managed institutions, enabling demand-driven training, apprenticeships, and stronger placement linkages through cluster-based partnerships with anchor industry. Officials said the consultation will highlight how PM-SETU creates a structured platform for industry to move beyond periodic engagement and play a sustained role in the skilling ecosystem by participating in governance and decision-making. Through the cluster model, industry partners will be able to contribute directly to institutional governance, align training with real-time labour market needs, support curriculum and pedagogy improvements, enable faculty upskilling, and strengthen apprenticeship and placement pipelines—thereby reducing recruitment costs, improving productivity, and ensuring availability of job-ready talent aligned to industry standards.

States/UTs have also initiated preparatory actions, with 29 States/UTs identifying initial clusters and 25 States/UTs notifying their State Steering Committees, as the scheme progresses towards implementation on the ground.

As part of the consultation, MoUs will also be exchanged to formalise industry and institutional partnerships aimed at strengthening vocational training and employability outcomes in the State. The MoU exchange will include partnerships between Directorate of Vocational Education and Training (DVET), Government of Maharashtra and FIAT India, Schneider Electric India, and the Anudip Foundation, as well as between DVET and SDN/Wadhwani.

PM-SETU is poised to be a pivotal moment in India’s skilling journey—redefining how government and industry collaborate to build high-quality vocational institutions, shape future-ready curricula, and create a robust talent pipeline for emerging growth sectors. By strengthening institutional governance, modernising training ecosystems, and aligning skills with labour market demand, the scheme is expected to play a defining role in preparing India’s youth for the opportunities of a Viksit Bharat.