Bengaluru — Karnataka’s industrial future may hinge on a powerful new partnership between government training centers and the private companies that need skilled workers. Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil made an urgent call for collaboration on Friday, stressing that public-private synergy is essential for the success of the massive PM-SETU skilling scheme.

Key facts

  • PM-SETU is a ₹60,000 crore national initiative to modernize 1,000 ITIs
  • Karnataka has 12 hub ITIs and 48 spoke institutions in the program
  • Funding breakdown: Union government ₹112 crore, State ₹98 crore, industry ₹31 crore
  • Eligibility: Companies with ₹500 crore turnover and 1,000+ employees

The Blueprint for Transformation

The Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme represents one of India's most ambitious workforce development efforts. In Karnataka, the program follows a hub-and-spoke model where four ITIs connect to each hub institution. Bengaluru Urban and Kalaburagi districts have already designated their hubs—Peenya ITI in Bengaluru and Kalaburagi Government ITI for Boys in the north.

Skill Development Minister Sharan Prakash Patil outlined how this structure would work in practice, noting that industries in each region should actively participate with their local hubs. The government envisions companies helping design curriculum, training programs, and skill-development frameworks precisely tailored to industry needs.

A Seat at the Table

Participation isn't merely symbolic. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be created to implement the scheme, with six industry representatives serving as members. Companies can engage through their CSR divisions, foundations, or other entities, provided they meet the eligibility threshold of ₹500 crore annual turnover and 1,000+ employees.

“There are 270 government ITIs across Karnataka. If industries come forward to adopt these ITIs, government would be happy to allow them to do so,” said Skill Development Minister Sharan Prakash Patil.

The minister's statement signals remarkable openness to industry involvement—perhaps recognizing that without private sector buy-in, even the most well-funded government program might miss the mark on what skills employers actually need.

Beyond the Immediate Scheme

While PM-SETU focuses on 48 institutions, the ministers hinted at broader possibilities. With 270 government ITIs across Karnataka, the adoption model could expand significantly if industry responds positively. The message is clear: the government is ready to welcome private sector partnership, but the initiative must come from both sides.