Surat ITI Cluster Gets Rs.240 Crore PM-SETU Boost

SURAT : In a major boost to Gujarat’s skill development ecosystem, the Centre has approved the Surat ITI Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme, paving the way for a ₹240-crore investment to transform government ITIs into industry-driven centres of excellence.

The project, approved during the 4th National Steering Committee meeting, will be led by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) as the Anchor Industry Partner, with NAMTECH as its academic partner.

Announcing the approval, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary said, “We are witnessing the emergence of a new model of skill development in India, where industry is not merely a recruiter but a co-creator of talent. The Surat Cluster reflects our vision of designing classrooms around the jobs of tomorrow.”

Under the hub-and-spoke model, ITI Surat will serve as the hub, supported by ITI Surat (Women), ITI Hajira, ITI Bardoli and ITI Sachin.

The project aims to train 25,000 youth over five years while creating 3,528 additional training seats. Modern laboratories, smart classrooms, digital learning systems and Industry 4.0-focused courses will be introduced to meet the workforce demands of manufacturing, steel, engineering, textiles and process industries.

AM/NS India Executive Director and Deputy CTO Santosh Mundhada said the initiative would strengthen India’s future-ready talent pipeline while expanding employment opportunities for local youth.