Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): The Haryana government has approved the implementation and budget provisions of the PM-SETU scheme to upgrade industrial training institutes (ITIs) and strengthen employment opportunities for skilled youth.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Standing Finance Committee chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The committee also approved a project worth Rs 320.44 crore for the Kurukshetra ITI cluster.
The scheme aims to align vocational training with industry requirements, modernise training infrastructure and improve the employability of students graduating from upgraded ITIs. The state government expects the initiative to help young people access better job opportunities and salary packages.
What Is The PM-SETU Scheme?
PM-SETU, or the Prime Minister Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs scheme, is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at strengthening India’s vocational training ecosystem.
According to the state government’s announcement, the scheme has a national financial framework of Rs 60,000 crore. This includes Rs 30,000 crore from the Centre, Rs 20,000 crore from state governments and Rs 10,000 crore from industry.
The announcement also refers to co-financing support through results-based lending from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
Under the programme, 1,000 government ITIs and five National Skill Training Institutes are to be developed with modern facilities and advanced training infrastructure.
Hub-And-Spoke Model To Modernise ITIs
Haryana will implement the state component of the scheme through its Skill Development and Industrial Training Department, while another component will be managed by the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Under the hub-and-spoke model, a central hub ITI will be linked with several spoke institutes. These institutions are expected to receive upgraded infrastructure, modern machinery and digital learning facilities.
The state government also plans to establish a Section 8 company, or special purpose vehicle (SPV), to manage the administrative and financial aspects of the programme.
As outlined in the announcement, the anchor industry partner will hold 51% of the SPV, while the Centre and state government will each hold 24.5%. The board will include representatives from industry, both levels of government and ITI leadership, with an industry representative serving as chairperson.
Haryana Plans 12 ITI Clusters With Estimated Outlay Of Rs 2,892 Crore
The state plans to develop 12 clusters covering approximately 60 government ITIs, with a total estimated investment of Rs 2,892 crore. Haryana’s share is projected at around Rs 954 crore.
Seven clusters have been identified so far, according to the government announcement. The strategic investment plan for Kurukshetra has received approval from the National Steering Committee.
The state has also issued requests for proposals (RFPs) for the Palwal, Sonipat and Chhara clusters. RFPs for Panipat and Rewari are scheduled for December, while the Kalayat cluster’s plan is expected after January 2027.
Budget provisions for the remaining clusters will be made after their final approval.
Kurukshetra ITI Cluster: Funding And Institutes Covered
The approved Kurukshetra project has a total cost of Rs 320.44 crore. Its funding structure is as follows:
- Central government: Rs 160.22 crore
- Haryana government: Rs 105.75 crore
- Anchor industry partner: Rs 54.47 crore
The implementation contract has been awarded to Jindal Navin Avasar Limited, according to the announcement.
The cluster will comprise one hub — Government ITI Kurukshetra — and six spoke institutes: Women ITI Kurukshetra, ITI Kaithal, ITI Pehowa, ITI Pabnawa, Women ITI Ambala City and Women ITI Kaithal.
Of the total project cost, Rs 163.06 crore is earmarked for capital expenditure, including infrastructure and laboratory upgrades. The remaining Rs 157.38 crore is allocated to operational expenditure, to be shared by the state government and industry partner.
Haryana Approves State Funding For 2026–31
The committee approved opening a new budget head for the PM-SETU scheme and allocating Rs 105.75 crore as Haryana’s share for the Kurukshetra cluster between the 2026–27 and 2030–31 financial years.
It also authorised the release of an advance payment of approximately Rs 10.50 crore for the state’s share of the project’s operations during the current financial year.
Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Gaurav Gautam, senior finance and planning officials, and representatives of the Skill Development and Industrial Training Department attended the meeting.
The Kurukshetra approval marks a step in Haryana’s plan to upgrade vocational training infrastructure and strengthen links between ITIs and industry. The scheme’s employment impact will depend on implementation, training quality and the availability of industry-linked opportunities.
Keywords: Haryana PM-SETU scheme, Kurukshetra ITI project, Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana skill development, ITI modernisation, Rs 320.44 crore project, youth employment Haryana, Jindal Navin Avasar Limited, hub-and-spoke ITI model, Haryana government
Tags: Haryana News, Education, Skill Development, Employment, PM-SETU, ITI, Nayab Singh Saini
