Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches PM-SETU scheme for ITIs

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches PM-SETU scheme for ITIs

ITIs are not only premier institutes of industrial education, but they are also workshops of a self-reliant India: Prime Minister

Annual Convocation 2025 held at Government ITI, Sector 28, Chandigarh

487 trainees received NTC certificates at Government ITI, Chandigarh

Chandigarh 4 October ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the PM-SETU (Prime Minister's Skill and Employment Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) scheme and launched youth-centric initiatives worth over Rs 62,000 crore at the National Skills Convocation held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on Saturday. The Prime Minister's virtual address was also broadcast live from the Government Industrial Training Institute (GITI), Sector 28, Chandigarh, where the Annual Convocation 2025 was held. This initiative is part of the government's new tradition of organizing large-scale joint convocations for ITI trainees across the country. The Prime Minister stated that today's ceremony symbolizes the priority India places on skill development. He announced two major initiatives in the field of education and skill development—the Rs 60,000 crore PM-SETU scheme, which will further connect ITIs with industries, and the inauguration of 1,200 skill laboratories in Navodaya Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Schools across the country. The Prime Minister explained that ITIs currently offer training in approximately 170 trades, and over 15 million youth have received training in the last 11 years. This year, over 1 million students participated in the All India Trade Test. He noted that these skills are provided in local languages. The Prime Minister emphasized that ITIs are the workshops of a self-reliant India, and the government is focused on increasing their numbers and modernizing them. Until 2014, there were only 10,000 ITIs, while 5,000 new ones have been established in the last decade. The PM-SETU scheme will upgrade over 1,000 ITIs with modern machinery, specialists, and industry-demand-driven curriculum. He stated that as skills increase, the nation becomes self-reliant, and exports and employment grow. Before 2014, India was among the "fragile five." Today, with increased manufacturing and employment, India is moving towards the top three global economies. Sectors like mobile phones, electronics, automobiles, and defense have seen unprecedented growth. The Prime Minister said that the Mudra scheme has helped youth start enterprises, and the Rs 1 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Vikassheel Bharat Rojgar Yojana will provide employment to approximately 35 million youth in the private sector. Stressing that this is a time full of opportunities for every youth in the country, the Prime Minister emphasized that while there may be alternatives to many things, there is no substitute for skill, innovation, and hard work. These qualities are the strength of India's youth and will form the foundation of a developed India. GITI Chandigarh Holds Annual Convocation 2025 The Annual Convocation 2025 of Govt. Industrial Training Institute, Sector 28-C, Chandigarh was held on October 4 at the institute’s Multi-Purpose Hall. The event was graced by Rohit Grover, Managing Director, Jrew Engineering Limited, Mohali, as the Chief Guest, and Paramjit Singh, Director RCED, Sector-35, Chandigarh as the Guest of Honour. The ceremony commenced with the lighting of the traditional lamp, accompanied by the divine recitation of Saraswati Vandana, marking an auspicious beginning. Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Rohit Grover emphasized the irreplaceable value of human skill in the era of automation. “AI can’t replace skilled workers because it can’t create machines. The industry needs more ITIs and the strengthening of existing ones. Students must keep learning to enhance their knowledge,” he remarked. Arun Gupta, Principal, GITI Chandigarh, highlighted the alignment of ITIs with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, encouraging students to embrace opportunities and hone their skills for a bright future. 487 Trainees Awarded NTC Certificates. During the ceremony, the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour distributed merit certificates and mementoes to students who secured 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions in their respective trades, along with trainees who achieved top ranks in the Chandigarh State. A total of 487 trainees received their National Trade Certificates (NTCs), marking a significant milestone in their professional journey. The Principal also presented the achievements and outcomes of the institute, showcasing its continued efforts toward excellence in skill training. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Inderpreet Singh Lamba, Chief Executive Officer of the Convocation, followed by the National Anthem. Among other dignitaries present were Anju Verma, State Controller of Examination; Er. Arun Kumar, Principal, GITI Chandigarh; officials from the Directorate of Technical Education; faculty members; staff; and trainees. The collaborative efforts of the GITI team ensured that the event was a grand success, reflecting the spirit of progress, skill, and nation-building envisioned under the PM-SETU initiative.