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Kurukshetra. A major step has been taken to strengthen vocational education and skill training in Haryana. The National Steering Committee of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has approved a ₹320 crore Strategic Investment Plan for the Kurukshetra ITI Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs or PM-SETU. Jindal Naveen Avsar Limited will work with the Government of Haryana as the Anchor Industry Partner for the project.
With this approval, the total investment sanctioned under PM-SETU has increased to ₹2,491 crore across 10 ITI clusters. The scheme aims to transform government ITIs into modern, industry-led training institutions aligned with future employment requirements. The initiative will focus on improving training quality as well as strengthening curricula, laboratories, equipment and industry linkages.
Seven ITIs to Be Modernised Under the Hub-and-Spoke Model
The Kurukshetra Cluster will be developed under the Hub-and-Spoke model of PM-SETU. It will include one Hub ITI and six Spoke ITIs. Government ITI, Kurukshetra will serve as the Hub ITI. Government ITI (Women), Kurukshetra; Government ITI, Kaithal; Government ITI (Women), Kaithal; Government ITI, Pehowa; Government ITI, Pabnawa and Government ITI (Women), Ambala City will be developed as Spoke ITIs.
The ₹320 crore investment will be used to strengthen training infrastructure, develop modern training facilities and introduce new courses based on industry requirements. The initiative will also focus on improving employment outcomes for trainees. This will give students an opportunity to develop skills aligned with changing technologies and the evolving needs of the industry, along with traditional training.
Industry-ITI Collaboration to Be Strengthened
Under PM-SETU, the role of industry is not limited to financial support. Industry partners also contribute to curriculum development, improving training facilities, enhancing trainer capacity, apprenticeships, industry exposure and placement support. The objective is to connect the training provided at ITIs with the actual requirements of the employment market.
As the Anchor Industry Partner, Jindal Naveen Avsar Limited will work with the Government of Haryana and the participating ITIs to strengthen practical training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities for students. The company is already associated with the Barbil ITI Cluster in Odisha, where a ₹240 crore Strategic Investment Plan has been approved under PM-SETU.
Focus on Improving Youth Employability
Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said that bringing industry closer to ITIs will create stronger employment pathways for young people. According to him, the approval of the Kurukshetra Cluster reflects the commitment to make skill development more relevant and provide training in line with the changing requirements of industry.
Plan to Modernise 1,000 ITIs Across the Country
PM-SETU has a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore. Under the scheme, 1,000 government ITIs across the country are planned to be modernised through an industry-led Hub-and-Spoke model. This will include 200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs. The scheme focuses on introducing smart classrooms, modern laboratories, digital content and new courses aligned with industry requirements.
In addition, the scheme provides for capacity augmentation of five National Skill Training Institutes and the development of sector-specific National Centres of Excellence. Along with strengthening the training of trainers, the broader objective is to create a skill training system that can prepare students for emerging sectors and future jobs.
