Gandhinagar: Gandhinagar witnessed a major push towards skill development on Wednesday as the Gujarat Government honoured 12 top-performing Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) for their performance between 2022–23 and 2025–26. The initiative highlights the growing focus on aligning youth skills with the evolving needs of modern industries.
The award ceremony was chaired by Labour, Skill Development and Employment Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya, with State Minister Kantilal Amrutiya also present.
Bilimora ITI Tops 2025–26 Rankings
For the year 2025–26, Bilimora ITI secured the first position, followed by Palanpur ITI in second place and Jamnagar ITI in third. The top three institutes received cash awards of ₹11 lakh, ₹9 lakh, and ₹5 lakh respectively. Officials said the funds will be used to improve academic quality and infrastructure.
Focus on Skill Training for Modern Industry Needs
Speaking at the event, Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya said ITIs play a key role in preparing youth for industrial requirements.He stressed that training institutes must continuously adapt as industries evolve.
He also compared ITIs to structured institutions where infrastructure alone is not enough, saying trained instructors and staff are essential for effective skill development.
He added that skill development remains a national priority under initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Targeting Better Jobs and Higher Incomes for Youth
State Minister Kantilal Amrutiya said ITIs are not just training centres but institutions shaping the future of young people.
He said efforts are being made to ensure ITI-trained youth can earn between ₹30,000 and ₹50,000 per month through better placement opportunities. He also suggested recognising successful students to encourage motivation and healthy competition.
Amrutiya emphasised the need to align ITI courses with local industry requirements so that students can find jobs within their own regions.
He noted that around ₹2,000 crore has been allocated for ITI development and introduction of new courses, with plans to develop all ITIs into model institutions.
Performance Rankings Across Previous Years
The government also announced top ITI rankings for earlier years:
- 2022–23: Maninagar ITI (1st), Surat ITI (2nd), Amreli ITI (3rd)
- 2023–24: Talaja ITI (1st), Gota–Ranip ITI (2nd), Gorwa Women’s ITI (3rd)
- 2024–25: Saraspur ITI (1st), Vyara ITI (2nd), Tarsali ITI (3rd)
These rankings were based on multiple performance indicators evaluated by an expert committee.
Government Push to Upgrade ITIs and Expand Opportunities
Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department Secretary Lochan Sehra said the government is launching structured programmes to skill school dropouts and bring them into vocational training. He added that coordination with schools will help identify such students and provide them admission in available ITI seats, reducing the risk of unemployment or social vulnerability.
Under the PM SETU scheme, more than ₹2,800 crore has been allocated to upgrade 60 ITIs into advanced skilling centres. This includes modern laboratories, new buildings, and infrastructure upgrades.
