Visakha ITI cluster becomes India’s first to get PM-SETU approval

Visakhapatnam: The Government of India, the Andhra Pradesh government and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) signed a shareholders’ pact to upgrade four government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Visakhapatnam cluster.

With an approved investment of Rs 200 crore, the Visakhapatnam cluster’s strategic investment plan is the first in the country approved by PM-SETU’s (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) National Steering Committee.

A dedicated special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be established to manage the upgrades and operations. AM/NS India will hold 51 percent of it, the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Government of India will each hold 24.5 percent.

Terming it as a significant milestone, HRD minister Nara Lokesh said, “Our priority is to ensure that Andhra Pradesh’s industrial growth creates opportunities for the youth.

This partnership with AM/NS India will help students at four Government ITIs gain practical skills that employers need. By improving training facilities and bringing industry expertise into technical education, we aim to strengthen their employability and help them be part of the state’s growth.”

As part of the endeavour, Government ITI (Old), Kancharapalem will serve as the main training centre and share its facilities and resources with the other three --Government ITI (Girls), Industrial Estate, Visakhapatnam, Government ITI, Bobbili, and Government ITI, Narsipatnam. AM/NS India will carry out the work with its academic and technical partner, the New Age Makers’ Institute of Technology (NAMTECH).

Students will derive a host of benefits from the initiative. The upgrades include modernised training facilities, workplace-relevant equipment, updated courses, new trades, hands-on practical training and stronger instructor training.

Linking training more closely to industry requirements will equip students with industry-ready skills and help employers find skilled local candidates as Andhra Pradesh expands its industrial and manufacturing base.

Ashutosh Telang, Director and Vice President – HR & Administration, AM/NS India, said: “Through this partnership, we will bring our manufacturing experience and NAMTECH’s technical education expertise to four Government ITIs in the Visakhapatnam cluster. Better facilities, hands-on learning and stronger instructor training will help students build skills that employers need.”

PM-SETU is a GoI initiative with a total outlay of Rs.60,000 crore. It aims to upgrade 1,000 Government ITIs through industry partnerships and strengthen five National Skill Training Institutes. Also, AM/NS India signed a separate agreement covering five Government ITIs in the Surat cluster in Gujarat. Together, the two projects cover nine ITIs with a combined approved investment of Rs.440 crore.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India